Three keys to Warriors-Rockets NBA Cup quarterfinal

The Houston Rockets were the biggest obstacle to the Golden State Warriors' five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals (2015-19) but their rivalry faded into obscurity when James Harden skipped down. 

After three down years, the Rockets are breathing fire again with the fifth-best record (16-8) and second-best defense while fielding one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. 

On Wednesday night, Ime Udoka's men will get the chance to announce themselves on the national stage in the NBA Cup quarterfinal against a familiar, old foe. Here are three keys to the matchup.

Can Rockets overcome little brother syndrome?

Despite their recent resurgence, the Rockets continue to come up short against the Warriors. Last week's 99-93 loss marked their 15th straight to Golden State, with the winless streak dating back to Feb. 2020. Last season, some Rockets players trash-talked the Warriors when the two teams were locked in a tight battle for the final play-in spot, but couldn't back it up on the court, invariably getting "big-brothered" by the veteran Warriors led by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. At some point, Houston must overcome the mental hurdle to beat Golden State, because it holds edges in the talent and athleticism departments. 

Andrew Wiggins versus Jalen Green

The Warriors wing is enjoying a career resurgence, averaging his most points in four years while shooting a career-high 42.7% from three. Wiggins has also re-established himself as an elite perimeter defender, playing a lot of minutes at the two spot in the wake of Klay Thompson's exit, and guarding ball-handlers to free up Stephen Curry. In two matchups against Houston this season, Wiggins clamped down on Jalen Green, containing the young guard to 2-of-8 shooting in 11:29 as the primary defender. Expect Wiggins to be all over Green and other Rockets perimeter threats on Wednesday. 

Can Rockets adjust to Warriors going small?

The Warriors went with the bigger lineup of Trayce Jackson-Davis and Draymond Green to begin the season, but have altered course since Jonathan Kuminga re-established himself as a starter. Now, Green has returned to the five, taking on the tough assignment of bigger matchups. While undersized, Green remains one of the best post-defenders in the NBA, containing the likes of Ivica Zubac, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Kevin Durant to sub-40% shooting as the primary defender. As such, Alperen Sengun will have his work cut out scoring over Green despite his size advantage. The Rockets, as a whole, will be forced to adjust to Golden State's expected starting unit of Curry, Gary Payton II, Kuminga, Wiggins and Green. 

The winner of Wednesday's quarterfinal will advance to face the Thunder in the semifinal in Las Vegas.