NBA

When asked about Holiday’s recovery, head coach Joe Mazzulla said, “He was able to do everything that we worked on. He’s getting better everyday.” Al Horford has been starting in place of Holiday and will likely remain in that role for Game 1 against the Knicks on Monday if Holiday remains out. The injury report should provide a clearer update on Holiday, but this is a positive development for his chances of returning after missing Games 3-5 against the Magic.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr started Payton over Brandin Podziemski, with the veteran wing capable of helping out defensively and making the Rockets pay out of the dunker spot. Unfortunately, the change did not result in increased production from either player. Payton shot 40 percent from the field, while Podziemski (10/7/3/1 with two three-pointers) shot 4-of-9. Given how Game 6 played out, it would be unsurprising if Kerr returned to Podziemski as his starter for Game 7 on Sunday.

Only Steven Adams attempted more free throws than Butler in Game 6, and the Rockets’ backup center was being fouled intentionally. Butler was able to attack the basket consistently, but he and Stephen Curry could not do enough to carry the Warriors on a night when many of their rotation players struggled. As a result, Golden State is headed back to Houston to play a Game 7 on Sunday after holding a 3-1 series lead.

After not waiting long into the second half of Game 5 to pull the plug, Warriors coach Steve Kerr played his key options heavy minutes on Friday in hopes of ending the series. Unfortunately for him, the move didn’t work, despite the efforts of Curry and Jimmy Butler. They combined to score 56 points, but the other three starters combined 13 on 5-of-17 shooting. The Rockets have used multiple approaches to defending Curry, and while the numbers have remained, his efficiency has taken a hit in the last two games. He’ll look to rebound in Game 7 on Sunday.

Adams attempted a staggering 16 free throws in Game 6, as the Warriors intentionally fouled him on multiple occasions to close the gap. The veteran center made enough to keep Golden State at bay, and he has been more impactful than many may have expected before the series began. According to Hoop Informatics, Adams has been a +15 or better in the last three games. Houston has won the last two, and a similar effort from Adams in Sunday’s Game 7 may get the Rockets out of the first round for the first time since 2020.

After scoring eight points in the series opener, Thompson has reached double figures in five straight games. He didn’t have a great night shooting-wise on Friday, but the second-year wing provided solid value in multiple categories to help the Rockets force a Game 7. Thompson has also been a factor defensively, taking on the task of defending Stephen Curry for extended periods throughout the series. He and the Rockets will look to eliminate the Warriors in Game 7 on Sunday afternoon.

Sengun recorded his fourth double-double in six games on Friday, helping the Rockets force a decisive Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. While the sledding has not been easy for the young center playing against a smaller Warriors lineup, Sengun has more than held his own in this series. The Rockets will need a similar effort from him to defend their home court and eliminate the Warriors on Sunday.

After scoring 17 points or less in the series’ first three games, VanVleet has kicked things up a notch at the right time. He’s scored 25 or more in three straight, shooting over 50 percent from the field in each outing. Due to VanVleet’s performance on Friday, the Rockets will host a Game 7 on Sunday. While he hasn’t been the most consistent shooter, VanVleet has a history of stepping up in big moments. With his team trailing three games to one, the veteran point guard made good on that reputation in Games 5 and 6.

The Warriors will take a more defensive approach to their starting lineup for Game 6, as they look to close out the Rockets. Payton will start, replacing Brandin Podziemski in the lineup. Podziemski should still play plenty and can provide offensive firepower off the bench.