The Houston Rockets will have one final opportunity to close out the Golden State Warriors in a deciding Game 7 at home after suffering a crushing defeat on Saturday night.The Rockets were beaten 115-86 in Game 6 after the defending champions went on an incredible second-half surge to overturn a 10-point half-time deficit at the Oracle Arena.But with a 3-2 lead coming into the contest, Houston knew they would still have an opportunity to eliminate the Dubs and advance to the NBA Finals with a win on their home floor on Monday night.They were without Chris Paul for the clash in Oakland and his absence was severely felt after the team crumbled in the second half following a strong start to the game.At this stage, it's unclear if the point guard will be ready to play in Game 7 but the signs are not looking good for the Rockets.According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, a source told him that it's "less likely than likely" that Paul will feature because of his right hamstring strain.
This injury typically takes two weeks to heal which leaves CP3's chances extremely slim.
Head coach Mike D'Antoni said he "no idea" if the nine-time All-Star would recover but they're working on the mindset that he won't.
With or without the 33-year-old in the lineup, however, PJ Tucker expects the team to get the job done and beat the Warriors.
"Obviously we want to have him," PJ Tucker said, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "He's one of the best point guards in the league, but if he doesn't play, we'll figure it out.
"We're going to do what we've got to do to win this game. The five guys on the floor and whoever else is playing, we're going to roll. It's what we do. It's what we're built for."
Speaking before the game, Steve Kerr expressed real sympathy for Paul and lamented the bad luck the former Los Angeles Clippers guard has had with injuries in the postseason in recent years.
"More than anything, I feel bad for Chris," Kerr said. "The guy's a phenomenal player and competitor and pretty much willed his team the last two games. He's just been haunted by these types of injuries in his career, and it's a shame. I hate when anybody gets hurt."
Houston acquired the veteran specifically to overcome Golden State and come out of the west to win a championship.
He was brilliant in the back-to-back wins in Games 4 and 5 and was proving why his acquisition was so important.
But it appears that he probably won't be on the floor for their biggest game of the season so it'll be down to his teammates to get it done for him in what will be a pulsating Game 7.
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