If the Golden State Warriors lose tonight's Game 7 against the Houston Rockets, they will be eliminated from the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, marking a second consecutive year without advancing past the first round. This loss would confirm the Rockets' growth as a championship-contending team, especially due to their defensive strength, and would end the Warriors' playoff run this season

. If the Warriors win, they will advance to the conference semifinals, where they would face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Warriors have defeated the Timberwolves four times this season, the Timberwolves have improved their team balance, making the next series challenging for Golden State

. If the game is tied after regulation, it will go into overtime, where physical endurance could play a decisive role. The Rockets' physicality might give them an edge in such a scenario