Houston Rockets Eager To Set Up Semi Final Clash With GSW

The Houston Rockets had a 3-0 lead against Utah Jazz and were expected to wrap up the series 4-0 earlier this week. However, the Jazz pulled off a surprise victory in the 4^th game to keep the series alive and prevent the Rockets from getting a much needed rest.

The Rockets will have the home advantage in Game 5 and are expected to wrap up the series.

Should they secure the win in front of their home crowd, they will most likely face the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors in a semi-final clash.

The Rockets should be able to wrap up the series as they have a bunch of great players in Chris Paul, James Harden and Eric Gordon. However, they will be under a bit of pressure in Game 5 as they will want to him in Houston and also know that finishing the series early will give them a much needed break as Game 6 is fixed for April 26 in Salt Lake City and Game 7 on Sunday.

FOX 13 News Utah

Golden State Warriors lead the series 3-1 against the LA Clippers and are still one win away from advancing to the semi-finals. They are expected to win the series during Game 5 which takes place on Wednesday evening. Should the Warriors win in Game 5 and the Rockets lose in Game 5, the Warriors will have more time to rest and recover.

The importance of additional days of rest during the playoffs cannot be underestimated as many players are both physically and mentally drained from the long season. The downtime gives them a chance to recharge their batteries and can often give them that slight edge over the competition.

The Warriors have been playing the last few games against the Clippers without the services of DeMarcus Cousins. He injured himself in Game 2 after injuring his left leg that will keep him out for the rest of the season. His injury is a blow for the Warriors but they have enough bench strength to still field a pretty powerful team.

The fact that the Rockets and the Warriors lost a game in their playoffs is a good thing as it is a wakeup call for both teams to be on top of their game, should they clash in the semi-finals!