Rockets reportedly make travel plans to face Warriors, apparently don't have much faith in Clippers
The Houston Rockets have completed their first-round series after dispatching the Utah Jazz in five games.
The Golden State Warriors — to the surprise of many — have not. Instead of preparing for the Rockets, they’re stuck in a dog fight with the Los Angeles Clippers, whom they’ll face Friday night in Game 6 at Staples Center.
Most expected the Warriors — Las Vegas included — to be rid of the Clippers in four games.
But they’re not. And it’s good news for the Rockets, who could use some extra prep time and rest for superstar James Harden, who has been grinding like few have in the NBA before him.
Rockets not putting stock in Clippers upset
But even with the Clippers proving they’re more than game to hang with the Warriors, Houston doesn’t seem to have much faith they’ll win Game 6.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Rockets are traveling to the Bay Area in anticipation of a Game 1 at Golden State on Sunday.
Wishing to get ready for a possible Sunday Game 1, Rockets will head to Bay Area tomorrow, watch Warriors-Clippers Game 6 from there. If Clippers win the series, would have to fly home, but were willing to get to SF early just in case there is a 12:30 (local) start on Sunday.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 25, 2019
The report hedges a bit, stating that they want to be in town “just in case” of an early Sunday game.
But let’s be real here. The Rockets wouldn’t make this trip if they thought there was a legitimate chance of the Clippers winning the series.
Rockets were talking Warriors on Wednesday
Clint Capela told reporters immediately after Houston’s Game 5 win over Utah that he had the Warriors on his mind.
Rockets on facing the Warriors in Round 2
Clint Capela: "That's what I want. I want to face them."
Chris Paul: "Oh, man, you're going to be all over Bleacher Report. Look at you, can't wait to tweet it."
Capela: "If you want to be the champion you've got to beat the champion." pic.twitter.com/dSXnQu3lwB— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 25, 2019
“That’s what I want,” Capela said Wednesday of the Warriors. “I want to face them.”
And even though the Clippers went on to win later that night, the Rockets are moving forward as if Golden State winning is a forgone conclusion.
To be fair, most would agree with that assessment, even after a pair of L.A. wins in the series. The Warriors are the vastly superior team and should go on to win the series with no further issues.
Of course, that was the same logic that had many picking the Warriors in a sweep. If the Clippers do manage to pull off the massive upset, they’ve already got some juicy bulletin-board material for Round 2.
More from Yahoo Sports:
