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Houston Rockets must win both games at home starting tonight

By Michael Knight

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 30: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks to make a play against the Houston Rockets during Game Two of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 30: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks to make a play against the Houston Rockets during Game Two of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Houston Rockets have made this series a little more difficult for themselves. These next two games at home become must wins against one of the most talented teams ever assembled.

The Houston Rockets are back in action tonight after a long break between Games 2 and 3. They will look to take one against the Warriors after dropping the first two games of the series by a combined 10 points.

This long break seemed odd before the series, but it may have been a blessing in disguise. James Harden is dealing with an eye injury that he sustained in Game 2 after getting scratched by Draymond Green.

Harden eye update

The other day, the Beard said that he would be fine to play in Game 3 even after his injury. He was able to play in the previous game while barely able to see, so that was pretty much a given. Here’s an update as of yesterday to how his eye looks:

By zooming in on @CoomerChron's photo, you get an updated look at James Harden's eye at Friday's practice – three days after getting hit in the face by Draymond Green. Still extremely red. (Photo by @coomerchron) pic.twitter.com/rzRLcJX2bc

— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) May 3, 2019

Sorry anonymous Warriors players, but I’m not sure you can really fake that very well. He’ll get another full day today to recover but will then be ready to go tonight for the Rockets.

He had a great game even after the poke last game and helped keep Houston within striking distance against the Warriors. He’ll need to have a type of game that we’ve seen from him in the regular season for the Rockets to have the best chance of taking these next two games.

Must wins

After dropping the first two games in Oakland, these next two in Houston are now must-wins for the Rockets if they want to take this series. They must win four of the next five against this team.

This is a tall task, but we’ve seen how streaky the Rockets have been all year. When they’re hot, they’re the best team in the league. Their defense has been solid in the first two games, but they have been giving up too many offensive rebounds and turning over the ball too often.

Next. Some Warriors players think Harden is faking his injury

Taking these games in Houston won’t be easy. Golden State stole Games 1 and 7 from the Rockets last year when Houston had home court advantage. They are a solid road team and will bring their best to tonight’s matchup. I expect the Rockets to come out with a ton of energy and get the win, but we’ll have to see which team shows up.

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