The Golden State Warriors achieved a remarkable 104-93 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 3, despite being without Jimmy Butler. The Warriors struggled early with only 18 points in the first quarter, but Stephen Curry scored 13 points in the second quarter to help close the gap. Curry finished with 36 points, showcasing his resilience against relentless defense. Buddy Hield contributed significantly with 17 points, while Gary Payton II's defense and nine late points were crucial in the fourth quarter.

For the Rockets, Fred VanVleet led with 17 points, but they fell short, shooting under 40% from the field. With this victory, the Warriors took a 2-1 lead in the series, hoping for Butler's return in the next game. The Rockets' offensive struggles continued, raising concerns about their ability to consistently support their star young players like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.

In a fiery Game 2 of the Western Conference playoffs, the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Golden State Warriors with a score of 109-94, showcasing a high-energy atmosphere characterized by six technical fouls and a flagrant foul. Coach Ime Udoka noted that the intensity suits the Rockets, as they thrive in chippy games. Fred VanVleet's aggressive play led to a pivotal steal that fueled the Rockets' 19-point lead, prompting heated exchanges between players from both teams.

Despite the scuffles, the Rockets' identity remains unshaken. Udoka emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, especially with a lead. He acknowledged Tari Eason’s emotional outburst, which resulted in a technical foul. Meanwhile, Draymond Green shrugged off the tensions, citing they were merely conversations. Rockets fans relentlessly heckled Green, prompting concern from Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who urged fans to show more decorum. The Rockets' blend of physicality and composure could prove crucial as they advance deeper into the playoffs.

As the NBA playoffs heat up, top betting prospects are emerging for players like Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet. Sengun proved crucial for the Houston Rockets, leading with 26 points and displaying a high touch rate. VanVleet looks to rebound after a rough Game 1, where he missed multiple open three-pointers.

For the Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero, the absence of Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics boosts his rebounding potential significantly. Meanwhile, Derrick White stands to benefit from increased offensive responsibilities with Tatum sidelined, having excelled in his previous outing. Andrew Wiggins is another name to watch as he seeks to capitalize on rebounding opportunities against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Houston Rockets' playoff hopes hit a stumbling block in their first home game in six years, losing 95-85 to the Golden State Warriors. The team’s backcourt, consisting of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, faced harsh criticism for their lackluster performance. Green, who averaged 21 points per game in the regular season, could only muster seven points on 3-of-15 shooting, while VanVleet finished with 10 points on a dismal 4-of-19 shooting night. With 16 turnovers, their inefficiency was a stark contrast to the Warriors' experience and execution.

Charles Barkley emphasized that the struggles of VanVleet and Green were not due to coaching but stemmed from their performance on the court. The Rockets' young roster lacked playoff experience, with only one player, Jeff Green, having significant playoff experience. Shaquille O'Neal noted that the youth of the team would have to endure growing pains before achieving success, suggesting that the pressure of playoffs is often unfamiliar to younger players. Conversely, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, showcasing the importance of experience in high-stakes scenarios.