Game 2 Injury Update: Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors Hold Steady
As the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors took the floor for Game 2, not much had changed on the injury front. The Rockets were down two rotational options, Jock Landale and Jae’Sean Tate. Landale, a forward known for providing energy off the bench, hasn’t featured much in critical moments. Tate, a guard with a knack for doing the dirty work, was also on the sidelines. Even if these two were healthy, their minutes would probably be limited given the increased pace and intensity of the playoffs. It always stings to miss depth, but realistically, the key figures were present for Houston.
For the Golden State Warriors, the big headline wasn’t about anyone sitting out—it was about who was still suiting up. Most eyes were on Stephen Curry. He’s been nursing a nagging right thumb injury, and there’s no hiding his use of a thumb splint for extra support. A lot of players would take a back seat or slow down, but not Curry. He laced up and got right back to dropping jumpers, running off screens, and pushing the pace, showing no signs that the discomfort would keep him from playing his game. Gary Payton II, also dealing with a thumb issue—but on his left hand—was cleared as well, bringing his usual defensive tenacity to the lineup. Despite all the thumb drama, Golden State's coaching staff didn’t have to shuffle the rotation.
How Injuries Could Shape the Series
Even if the injury report reads as ‘no big surprises,’ these little setbacks can have a ripple effect. For Houston, going into Game 2 at home without Landale and Tate limits the ways they can rest starter minutes or adjust defensively. The Rockets rely heavily on their core, and missing even part-time contributors hits harder over a long series. Meanwhile, Golden State has seen Curry handle similar injuries before. He’s been through thumb tweaks, sprained fingers, and the grind of extra-long playoff runs. The concern, of course, is if one more twist or bump flares things up and becomes a bigger issue.
Both coaches stuck to what worked in Game 1, keeping rotations and play styles familiar. The teams tipped off at 8:30 p.m. CT, with injury statuses holding steady from the series opener. So, while you won’t see Landale’s hustle or Tate’s steady presence, fans get yet another chance to see Curry work through pain—a classic postseason storyline for the Warriors.
Watching for signs of lingering pain or surprise minutes for reserves always adds a little drama to playoff basketball. Injuries might not headline every report, but they’re always lurking in the background, shaping what we see on the floor. At least for tonight, the names to watch and the absentees were exactly as advertised.