Hello Dub Nation! I’m Stephanie and I’m your Warriors Fangirl. We have lots to discuss, so let’s start by taking a look at this weekend’s upcoming games. Coming off the road, the Warriors are returning home to Oracle for a three-game home stand that begins with the Houston Rockets on Friday and the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets

The Rockets are viable contenders and this game will be a fast-paced shootout, featuring some of the top three-point leaders in the league. In their first meeting in December, the two teams combined for an NBA record to shoot 88 three-pointers! Houston won that game in double overtime, but the Warriors have shown they can beat the Rockets decisively when they play their best game.

In this week’s Talking Hoops game preview, I take a look at what the Warriors need to focus on to keep their number one seed in the Western Conference against the Houston Rockets, including:

• The importance of effective ball movement and passing effectively. They play their best game when they get the entire squad into scoring positions.
• Without Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson will have to answer in true “splash brother” fashion and drain the three-point shots.
• The Warriors will have to pick up their defensive intensity. James Harden and the Rockets want this win to put the Western Conference on notice that they will contend. However, it is going to take a great effort and phenomenal offensive output from both sides who want to set a tone going into the playoffs.

And, I preview the Golden State Warriors versus the Washington Wizards.

Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards

This game is the second and final game this season between the two sides. Last time the Warriors met the Wizards, Durant went down with an MCL injury. It appears the Warriors are confident in his medical prognosis and will be easing KD back into play, with limited minutes in each game.

The Wizards have clinched a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference and they are playing well against their division. John Wall is definitely the star on this team and he is difficult to defend off the dribble. Even if Wall gets hot, the Warriors will likely answer with good defense and secure the pace of the game.

Make sure to watch for my game predictions and make sure to follow me on Fangirl Sports Network throughout the playoffs!

TIPOFF TIMES:

• Rockets – Friday, March 31, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. (PST) on CSN and ESPN
• Wizards – Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. (PST) on CSN and NBA League Pass

Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @warriorsFGSN.

Photo Credits (used in video):

• Stephen Curry: Keith Allison posted to Flickr as Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors
• John Wall:  Keith Allison posted to Flickr as John Wall
• Verizon Center: Keith Allison posted to Flickr as Verizon Center
• Golden State Warriors: Mike D posted to Flickr as Pistons at Warriors
• Kevin Durant photo credit from kevindurant.com