The Golden State Warriors faced a disappointing defeat against the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of their playoff series, losing 131-116 and failing to close out the series. Golden State coach Steve Kerr admitted that he did not have the team mentally prepared, particularly citing a lack of defensive focus. The team's poor start allowed Houston to build a significant lead, resulting in Kerr pulling starters like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler for most of the second half.

Curry, who had been instrumental in previous games, struggled with his shot, scoring just 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting and dealing with a swollen thumb. Despite these challenges, Kerr praised the effort of reserve Moses Moody, who scored 25 points, suggesting that the bench could play a crucial role in the upcoming Game 6.

The Golden State Warriors faced a tough challenge against the Houston Rockets in their playoff series, falling short with a 131-116 defeat. Despite a late-game push, the Warriors were unable to secure the win and will now return home for Game 6. Jimmy Butler struggled, contributing just eight points, while Stephen Curry also had an off night with 13 points. The standout for the Warriors was Moses Moody, who came off the bench to score 25 points. The Rockets saw impressive performances from multiple players, with Fred VanVleet leading the charge with 26 points.

Butler remains confident despite the loss, asserting the team's resolve to start stronger in the next game. The Warriors will need to step up their efficiency and aggression to prevent a potential Game 7. With the stakes higher than ever, adjustments will be crucial for both teams as they prepare for the decisive matchup.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a critical moment in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which resulted in a narrow 116-113 loss. Controversial officiating played a significant role, particularly with a missed foul call on Luka Dončić, who was tripped by Jaden McDaniels late in the game. Lakers coach JJ Redick argued that the Lakers should have been awarded free throws, a sentiment later supported by the NBA's last two-minute report confirming the foul.

As the game progressed, a pivotal turnover by LeBron James led to free throws for Anthony Edwards, contributing to Minnesota's lead. James contested the foul call against him on Edwards, but video evidence revealed illegal contact on Edwards' wrist during a critical moment. Despite holding a 12-point lead earlier, the Lakers could not close out the game and now face elimination in Game 5.

Stephen Curry showcased his playoff prowess, leading the Golden State Warriors to a significant 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their highly anticipated series. Curry's remarkable performance included 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, complemented by six rebounds and three assists. His sharpshooting from beyond the arc, including five three-pointers, proved crucial as the Warriors overcame a slow start, dominating the second quarter with a 29-13 run.

Despite the Rockets' physical defense, which included Amen Thompson shadowing Curry, the Warriors managed to extend their lead to 23 points in the third quarter. However, as the Rockets rallied to tighten the game, key plays from Curry, alongside Jimmy Butler and others, secured the win. Butler contributed with 25 points, helping maintain the Warriors' edge as they closed out the game successfully. As the series progresses, the Warriors will look to leverage this momentum for Game 2.

NBA playoffs are here, and with it comes a crucial slate for daily fantasy basketball. Tonight features two exciting play-in matchups, with high stakes for the seven and eight seeds. Maximizing your lineup requires not just picking solid players but also adapting to the latest injury reports to ensure you secure a competitive edge.

Highlighted core picks include Ja Morant and Trae Young, both of whom present excellent value against their respective opponents. Morant boasts a stellar recent fantasy average, while Young's potential is amplified by favorable pricing. Paolo Banchero is another critical play, especially against a team that struggles against power forwards. Value picks like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Moses Moody offer budget-friendly options that could pay off in crucial playoff minutes.