Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors predicted starting lineups and depth chart for Dec. 5 | 2024-25 NBA season 

The Houston Rockets continue a three-game road slate with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. Houston looks to get back into the win column after a feisty 120-111 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. The Rockets could miss a few key players when they face the Dubs.

Meanwhile, the Warriors try to end a five-game losing slump when they host the young Rockets. The Steve Kerr-coached team almost snapped out of their funk but allowed the Denver Nuggets to rally for a 119-115 win on Tuesday. To beat Houston, the Warriors must do it without Steph Curry, who has been ruled out for knee injury management.

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Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors: Injury Report

Houston Rockets injury report

Defensive ace Tari Eason is under the concussion protocol, making him inactive for the game against the Warriors. Fred VanVleet is questionable due to a right knee contusion.

Golden State Warriors injury report

Steph Curry goes back to the unavailable list as the Warriors continue monitoring his workload. He is held out for knee injury management. Draymond Green is also ruled out for left calf tightness. De’Anthony Melton is not with the team after undergoing a season-ending surgery.

Andrew Wiggins is questionable for the matchup against the Rockets.

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Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors: Starting lineups and depth chart

Houston Rockets starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Fred VanVleet	Aaron Holiday
Jalen Green	Reed Sheppard
Dillon Brooks	Amen Thompson	Jae'Sean Tate
Jabari Smith Jr.	Jeff Green	Jack McVeigh
Alperen Sengun	Steven Adams	Jock Landale

Golden State Warriors starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Brandin Podziemski	Moses Moody
Gary Payton II	Buddy Hield
Andrew Wiggins	Kyle Anderson	Lindy Waters III
Jonathan Kuminga	Gui Santos
Kevon Looney	Trayce Jackson-Davis

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Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors: Key Matchups

Alperen Sengun vs Trayce Jackson-Davis or Kevon Looney

Limiting Alperen Sengun’s impact will be the primary task of Warriors big man Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney. Kerr can start with either one, depending on the matchup he wants. Regardless of who lines up for tip-off, TJD and Looney must step up defensively to slow down Houston’s versatile center.

Sengun is sometimes called “Baby Jokic” by many for a reason. He impacts the game in different ways and is an underrated athlete. Kerr’s big men, particularly without Draymond Green, have their work cut out for them.

Jalen Green vs whoever plays shooting guard for the Warriors

Jalen Green lit up the Kings for 28 points on Tuesday. To battle against the explosive guard, Kerr might start with Gary Payton II or Brandin Podziemski on Green.

Podziemski will likely handle playmaking duties, which could mean that GPII would spend his minutes chasing Houston’s leading scorer.

Jonathan Kuminga vs Jabari Smith Jr.

With Steph Curry and Draymond Green ruled out, Jonathan Kuminga will be the Warriors’ first option on offense. Jabari Smith, who plays power forward, will be Kuminga’s natural matchup.

Smith has the length, size and explosiveness to battle Kuminga. This might be the most entertaining head-to-head showdown in the Rockets-Warriors game.