A Western Conference clash is on tap as the Houston Rockets travel to the Bay Area to take on the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors look to defend their home court against a Rockets team dealing with a devastating injury to a key player.
Game Details:
- Matchup: Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors
- Date: Tuesday, November 26
- Time: 10:10 PM EST
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- Spread: Warriors -1
- Total (Over/Under): 225.5
Houston Rockets Preview
The Houston Rockets enter this contest facing significant adversity. The team is reeling from the news that star point guard Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season, as confirmed by multiple reports. His absence leaves a massive void in leadership, playmaking, and scoring. To make matters worse, reports from earlier in November also listed Dorian Finney-Smith as a consistent name on the injury report, compounding their depth issues.
This game is also the second night of a difficult back-to-back for Houston, who faced the Phoenix Suns on November 24th. Facing a rested Warriors team on the road without their floor general and on tired legs presents a monumental challenge for the Rockets.
Golden State Warriors Preview
The Golden State Warriors come into this game as slight home favorites in what the oddsmakers see as a virtual pick ’em. While injury reports from earlier in the month mentioned Draymond Green as probable with a rib contusion, the Warriors appear to be the healthier team in this matchup. With no major players listed on recent injury reports from the provided information, Golden State will look to take advantage of a depleted Rockets squad.
Playing at home, the Warriors will lean on their veteran core to control the pace and exploit a Houston team adjusting to life without its primary ball-handler. The near-even point spread suggests that this is a winnable game, but one where they cannot afford to be complacent.
Prediction
This game hinges on one critical factor: the absence of Fred VanVleet. His injury fundamentally changes the Rockets’ offense and their ability to compete, especially on the road.
While the -1 spread indicates a toss-up, the situational factors heavily favor Golden State. The Warriors are at home, more rested, and facing a team not only missing its most important player but also playing on the second night of a back-to-back. That combination is simply too much to overcome. The Warriors should be able to control the game and secure a victory.
With Houston’s offense likely to struggle without its primary facilitator, and tired legs potentially affecting shooting efficiency, the total of 225.5 also feels a bit high.
Prediction: Warriors 114, Rockets 105The Pick: Warriors -1Bonus Pick: Under 225.5
Sources:
Houston Rockets Injury Status – ESPN
Houston Rockets Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
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Rockets injury report for tomorrow’s game : r/lakers
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Houston Rockets Injury Status – ESPN (UK)
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