Houston Rockets will get back Austin Rivers in Game 2

The Houston Rockets will get back one of their bench weapons that missed the first game of this series against the Warriors. Will he be able to help get the team over the hump?

The Houston Rockets were without fourth guard and role player Austin Rivers in their loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. As a result, the defensive intensity on the perimeter wasn’t quite as good as it should be.

Thankfully, Rivers will be back in the rotation tomorrow night as the Rockets and Warriors face off in Game 2. His play on both ends of the court will be vital as Houston looks to even up the series before heading back home.

Austin Rivers said he will play tomorrow. "I'm playing for sure." Yesterday? "I thought I was going to die."

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 29, 2019

Seems a bit dramatic, but I’m glad he’s back to being healthy!

This means that the Rockets will thankfully be fully healthy on the injury report going into the second game. Clint Capela is still likely battling the lingering effects of his viruses and James Harden has had a hand problem, but the full rotation should play.

Rivers’ play vs. the Warriors this year

Austin Rivers was a beast vs. the Warriors in the first matchup he had against them when Harden hit that game-winner. He went for 18 points on 4/9 shooting from downtown. He was a key factor in that big win.

In the last two games, he wasn’t as good, scoring just 6 and 2 points, respectively. His defense is always a factor, though, especially against the skilled guards that the Warriors have. Another body to defend Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson is always valuable, and it will be nice to have him tomorrow night.

Will the Rockets be able to bounce back and get the win in Game 2? Or will they have a steep hill to climb in Houston? Let’s hope for the former.