PREVIEW: The Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors in a fascinating first-round playoff matchup between experience and youth. The second-seeded Rockets, who finished with a 52-30 record, look to leverage their league-leading offensive rebounding prowess (30.4%, ranked 1st per ShotQuality data) and elite defense against rim attacks (ranked 1st). Golden State counters with the seventh seed's high-frequency three-point shooting attack (46.9%, ranked 2nd) and strong ball movement (ranked 4th in passing) that helped them finish 48-34 after their mid-season acquisition of Jimmy Butler. The Warriors won the regular season series 3-2, though Houston claimed victory in their most recent matchup on April 6, holding Stephen Curry to just three points. The clash presents a striking contrast in styles and experience levels. Houston's young core featuring Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green will be tested against the championship pedigree of Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler, who bring substantial playoff experience to the Warriors. While the Rockets excel at creating extra possessions through their rebounding advantage, they'll need to overcome Golden State's ability to force turnovers (ranked 4th) and prevent the Warriors from exploiting their weakness defending three-pointers (ranked 27th). Sunday's Game 1 at Toyota Center opens as a virtual toss-up with Houston installed as just a 1.5-point favorite, setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive first-round series of the playoffs.