The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets are going head-to-head in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. It's an intriguing matchup featuring proven playoff veterans for Golden State and a talented young core for Houston.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

The Warriors will take their series against the Rockets back home on Saturday for Game 3, with the first-round battle tied, 1-1, after two games in Houston. While the focus for the pregame is on the health of forward Jimmy Butler, who is questionable after suffering a contusion on his backside in Game 2, the referees also continue to be storyline.