The 2025 NBA Playoffs are getting hot early with one of the most intriguing first-round matchups: the Houston Rockets vs. the Golden State Warriors. While the Rockets managed to cut the lead to 10, it was too late for the host team after they succumbed to a 95-85 loss.

However, Charles Barkley believes that Houston will get the last laugh in the series against the Dubs because of youth and talent.

Warriors Bring Star Power and Experience

2025 NBA Playoffs: Charles Barkley Says Rockets Will Beat Warriors 2025 NBA Playoffs: Charles Barkley Says Rockets Will Beat Warriors
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According to Athlon Sports, the Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, are well-acquainted with postseason stress. Although they are slight favorites to win the bet, they come into this series with doubts about their staying power and depth.

Curry's leadership and offensive genius are still second to none, but the recent addition of six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler has breathed fresh air into their roster.

Draymond Green, with his defensive range and playmaking, remains a key glue guy. But Golden State's hopes in the playoffs depend largely on whether their veteran foundation can weather the athleticism and unrelenting energy of a much younger foe.

Rockets' Youth Movement Could Spark an Upset

Conversely, the Houston Rockets have become one of the league's most promising young teams. Headed by Alperen Sengun in the middle, Houston was the NBA leader in offensive rebounding percentage and fifth in defensive rating in the regular season.

NBA legend and analyst Charles Barkley has put his money on Houston, attributing to their youth, depth of talent, and home-court advantage as potential make-or-break factors.

"I just think the Rockets got more talent," Barkley said. "Plain and simple. And I think the home court [is] gonna be the difference in this series

"The energy level that Steph is gonna have to put forward... I don't know if he can sustain it for 7 games," the Phoenix Suns legend added.

The Rockets' frenetic style of play and attacking defense can wear down the aging Warriors over a seven-game slog. With the energetic home crowd powering their momentum, Houston has a golden chance to steal a statement victory before the NBA universe.

Can Steph Curry Keep the Load Going?

One of the narratives going into this series is whether Steph Curry can maintain the load over a full series. Curry, who is 37 years old, is concerned about carrying the scoring load even with Butler's help.

Barkley also wondered if Curry could keep his level of energy, stating that the "Babyface Assassin" might not sustain his momentum for seven games.

All that aside, if any player excels under pressure, it's Curry. His range, leadership, and ability to deliver timely baskets are still the X-factors for the Warriors in their push to move on.

Dynasty or Dawn? What This Series Means for Both Teams

This clash is greater than a fight for postseason life—it's a possible passing of the baton. If Houston can upset, it's a huge leap forward in their reconstruction and earns them validity as future powerhouses. For Golden State, though, defeat might mean the start of the end of one of the NBA's greatest dynasties.

Before Barkley's statement about Houston's upset win against GSW, he commented that Jimmy Butler was just a "really nice second closer" and "not as great" as Curry.

According to FadeAway World, Curry responded to the backhanded compliment, saying that Barkley should not get it "twisted." The sharpshooter praised Butler's ability to carry any team to the Finals.