It’s happening. Game 1 of the Playoffs is finally here, and the Houston Rockets are back in the postseason for the first time in five years. They are set to take on the Golden State Warriors in a game that‘s going to set the tone for all that’s to follow. But they‘re not here to fill the numbers, they want more than that. The Rockets are craving revenge.

Over the last six postseason appearances, the Warriors have knocked Houston out in four of them. This year, the Rockets are looking to change that narrative, and it all starts tonight against the defending champions. But before you start getting hyped for the action, there’s one burning question hanging over this game: Will Jalen Green and Amen Thompson play tonight?

So let‘s get down to business. What‘s the scoop on these two, and how will their playing (or not playing) affect the Rockets’ chances tonight?

Jalen Green: The Star Who Holds the Key to Houston’s Fate

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Houston, and the absence of these two young stars could completely change the dynamics. We’re talking about potentially the difference between winning and going down 0-1 in the series. First things first, Jalen Green. If anybody can flip this game in Houston‘s direction, it‘s him. The second-year guard has been the Rockets’ maestro on offense all season long, scoring 21 points per game and hitting big shots when it matters.

The thing is, Green’s not all about the number. It’s about his mindset. The guy’s got the swagger, and that’s what Houston needs in a playoff series against the defending champs.

But here’s the catch: Will he be 100% tonight? Green had a couple of nagging injuries, but reports indicate he’s good to go for Game 1. He’s been grinding, staying task-focused, and even took a break from social media to cut out the distractions so he can stay focused on what matters most: winning. 

If Green can ignite his game early, you’d better believe the Warriors will start sweating. The Rockets’ entire offensive flow depends on him. Is he ready to make his playoff debut one to remember?

Now let’s discuss Amen Thompson. He is not necessarily the guy going for 30 per night, but he contributes something invaluable to the team— defensive flexibility. When playing against the Warriors, where players such as Curry are poised to light up the scoreboard, defense is key.

And here’s the good news: Thompson will be on the floor tonight, making his presence count. Picture him shutting down Curry, disrupting the Golden State offense, and putting an added spark into the Rockets. He’s the type of player who can make every Warriors’ possession difficult and keep them guessing all evening long.

With Thompson on the court, the dynamic changes. Houston receives a defensive boost, and the Warriors must begin worrying about who can match up with their best scorers. Is Thompson ready to seize this moment and become the night’s unsung hero? He’s got the ability. Now, it’s time to see if he can bring it in this playoff battle.

Injury Report: The Rockets’ Lineup and the Missing Pieces

Here’s the other part of the equation—the Rockets are banged up. Jae’Sean Tate (ankle) and Jock Landale (knee) will both be out tonight, which stings. Tate‘s all-around abilities have been a huge plus for Houston this year, and Landale‘s toughness and rebounding will be missed.

But here’s the good news: This is where the other guys step up. This is an opportunity for the likes of Sengun and others to leave their mark. They have an opportunity to shine on the biggest stage. With Tate and Landale missing, the Rockets require a team effort to subdue the Warriors’ experience.

Who’s going to be the surprise hero? Alperen Sengun balling out in the post, perhaps? VanVleet getting more involved? These are the questions that will get answered this evening. Will the Rockets step up, or will the Warriors’ depth be too much to overcome?

Let‘s get one thing clear: the Warriors are a machine. They‘ve gone to the Finals more often than anyone can remember, and they‘ve got guys who have come through in every clutch moment. Steph Curry. Draymond Green. These are men made for playoff basketball.

But guess what? The Rockets aren‘t backing down. They‘re hungry. They‘ve been waiting for this moment, and now it‘s their turn to shine. The real question here is: Can Houston deal with the Warriors‘ postseason experience? Can Green outshoot Curry? Can Thompson‘s defense shut down the Warriors from running wild?

It‘s an enormous task, but not an impossible one. The Rockets have youth, vigor, and determination to make some noise. Tonight‘s Game 1 is going to be a test.