It’s go time. The 2025 NBA Playoffs are finally here, and Game 1 between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors is locked in for Sunday night at the Toyota Center. It’s youth versus experience. Hustle versus history.
And leading the charge, once again, is the legendary Stephen Curry—thumb splint and all. But will the 4x NBA champ suit up for the showdown in Houston? Let’s dive into the injury updates and starting lineups.
Warriors Injury Report: Curry Cleared, Veterans Ready
Golden State isn’t limping into this one like past playoff runs. Despite the physical toll from their gritty play-in battle against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Warriors are showing up nearly at full strength. And yes, Curry is expected to be playing tonight.
The sharpshooting point guard is dealing with a right thumb sprain, but he’s been listed as available with a protective thumb splint. Curry didn’t miss a beat in the play-in, dropping 37 points on elite efficiency, and looks ready to do it all over again in Houston.
Also available is Gary Payton II, who’ll be playing with a left thumb splint. His defensive energy could be crucial in keeping up with Houston’s backcourt speed.
Here’s the Warriors’ full injury update:
- Stephen Curry – Available (Right thumb splint)
- Gary Payton II – Available (Left thumb splint)
Rockets Injury Report: Depth Takes a Hit
Houston wrapped up its regular season with a solid 52-30 record and is the No. 2 seed in the West, but it’s not entering Game 1 unscathed. The Rockets will be without two key depth pieces in Jae’Sean Tate and Jack Landale, which could stretch the rotation a bit thinner than expected.
Tate is out with a right ankle impingement, while Landale is nursing a right knee contusion. While neither is a core starter, their absence affects Houston’s second-unit defense and physicality inside.
Houston’s full injury update:
- Jae’Sean Tate – Out (Right ankle impingement)
- Jock Landale – Out (Right knee contusion)
Warriors vs Rockets Predicted Lineups
Warriors’ projected Game 1 starting lineup:
- Stephen Curry
- Brandin Podziemski
- Moses Moody
- Jimmy Butler III
- Draymond Green
Rockets’ projected Game 1 starting lineup:
- Fred VanVleet
- Jalen Green
- Dillon Brooks
- Amen Thompson
- Alperen Sengun
Game Preview Vibes: Rhythm vs Rest
This one might come down to rhythm. Golden State just survived a win-or-go-home battle, and while it may be feeling the fatigue, it also might be in playoff mode already. Houston, on the other hand, hasn’t played meaningful basketball in two weeks. That’s either a rust risk or a rest advantage.
Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. EST at the Toyota Center, where the Rockets have been nearly unbeatable since February. But don’t count out a squad led by Curry, Butler, and Green. When the lights go up in April, the Warriors usually do too.