NBA Playoff Schedule 2015: TV Info, Predictions for Rockets vs. Warriors Game 2

If the rest of the games in the Western Conference Finals are anything like Game 1, here's hoping the series goes seven.

The Golden State Warriors got down early then stormed back at the end of the second quarter and held on for a 110-106 win over the Houston Rockets. The top two finishers in the MVP balloting went toe-to-toe down the stretch, with Stephen Curry getting the better of James Harden by scoring 34 points with six three-pointers en route to a Game 1 victory.

Harden, to his credit, dropped 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists and made some near-impossible shots to keep his team in it in the game's waning minutes. But with Dwight Howard sidelined for most of the game with a knee injury, the Rockets didn't have enough.

Speaking of Howard, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com reported the Rockets center is questionable for Game 2 with what has been diagnosed as a knee sprain. Here's a look at the viewing info for Thursday's game.

Game	Time	TV	Stream
Rockets at Warriors, Game 2	9 p.m. ET	ESPN	Watch ESPN

Obviously, the Rockets will be looking to win Game 2 to avoid returning to Houston in an 0-2 hole. But if Howard is unable to play, the Rockets will have quite the uphill battle. Let's look at a few predictions for Game 2, shall we?

Dwight Howard Will Play

We have to start with Howard's status because it is the biggest storyline heading into Game 2. Long story short, Howard needs to play. If he can move around without too much discomfort, Howard will suit up.

The Rockets simply can't afford to let Howard sit out while already being down a game. Watkins reported that Clint Capela would start if Howard can't go. It would be a considerable drop-off going from Howard to the rookie Capela, so the Rockets will be in trouble if Howard sits.

In addition, Capela doesn't provide the rim protection and defensive experience Howard does, so the Rockets defense would take a hit. Curry and Klay Thompson would be able to get into the paint and finish more easily or create shots for open teammates as the defense collapses.

Howard and coach Kevin McHale realize how much trouble they would be in going in a two-game hole, so look for Howard to give it a go if he can manage the pain.

James Harden Will Be the Game-High Scorer

Even if Howard does play, he won't be 100 percent, which will put even more pressure on the shoulders of Harden. He's shown in the past he thrives under pressure, so he will do all he can to put his team on his shoulders in Game 2.

One way Harden can look to be more effective is to attack the basket more. Harden attempted only six free throws in Game 1. While he made five of them, that is well under his usual per-game pace.

Harden blew away the rest of the league in the regular season in free-throw attempts with over 10 foul shots per game. If Harden attempts to drive to the rim more often in Game 2, he will likely be able to draw more fouls.

In addition, Harden will probably attempt more threes—and more shots in general—Thursday night. The Beard hoisted only three triples in Game 1, and with Howard's knee smarting, Harden will dominate the ball more than he usually does. 

The team's desperation to win Game 2 will lead Harden trying to take over the game, which is why he will probably score more than any other player on the floor.

The Benches Will Decide the Game

We know Harden and Curry will show up for Game 2 and probably go mano a mano in the fourth quarter of another close game. But it will be the role players who ultimately tilt the game one way or the other.

In Game 1, the Warriors bench outscored the Rockets reserves 34-27, with Shaun Livingston leading the way with 18 points in 29 minutes. In fact, it was Livingston who provided the second-quarter spark that got the Warriors back in the game.

By the way, how great is it to see Livingston getting meaningful run for a playoff contender? He came into the league as the fourth pick in the 2004 draft (the year Howard went first) and subsequently tore up his knee in the most horrific way imaginable.

We'll spare you from the YouTube clip, but it's there if you aren't squeamish.

Livingston's road back to NBA relevance was long, but now he's having an impact, and it's great to see.

Anyway, the Rockets will need to get more out of their bench to have a chance Thursday. If Howard sits, that bench will get even shorter with Capela sliding into the starting lineup. Either way, whichever team's reserves play best will have the upper hand in Game 2.