Can the Warriors upset the Rockets in round one?

While Lakers-Warriors didn’t happen during the first round, it could still be the series we get if both teams take care of business.

With the Lakers set to begin their postseason run playing the Timberwolves, L.A. fans will also be keeping an eye on the Wolves-Rockets series.

While the Lakers avoided the Warriors in the opening round, their in-state rival is alive and well and set up to face Los Angeles if both franchises win their first round series.

As a team, the Lakers need to focus on their series against the Wolves. Fans, however, will most certainly watch how things are going in the Warriors-Rockets series.

And, if L.A. does dominate against Minnesota, even the Lakers' staff and players will be sizing up their next opponent if that series becomes a long one.

Despite the Rockets-Warriors series being a No. 2 against No. 7 matchup, Houston isn’t considered a heavy favorite. On FanDuel, the Rockets are just a one-point favorite for Game 1 despite being the higher seed and hosting the Warriors.

Compare that to the Lakers, who are favored by four points in their first game against the Wolves.

Betting experts also think it will be a relatively high-scoring affair between the Rockets and Warriors, with the over/under on points set at 212.5.

If the Warriors do in fact pull off the upset and ultimately win the series over the Rockets, we could be in for a rematch of the 2023 second round.

That was the last time the Warriors and Lakers played in the playoffs against each other and in that series, Los Angeles came out on top. A lot has changed since then. Klay Thompson is now in Dallas, Jimmy Butler is a Warrior and Luka Dončić is a Laker.

With Steph Curry and LeBron James still the top guys, a series between these two titans of basketball with a trip to the Western Conference Finals on the line would be a dream scenario for the NBA.

Before we get there, both teams have four more games to win, starting with this weekend’s slate of games.

It’s hard to tell if Lakers fans should root for that outcome or if the Rockets are a better matchup for Los Angeles, but regardless, the Golden State-Houston series is one to watch as the Lakers embark on their quest for banner No. 18.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.