The Houston Rockets return to the NBA playoffs this weekend for the first time since 2020. Why it matters: Houston's postseason appearance is the culmination of years of rebuilding amid a season of high expectations.

The Rockets (52-30) earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and have home-court advantage against the seventh-seeded Warriors (48-34). Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for 8:30 p.

The Warriors and Rockets are set to meet in the opening round of the Western Conference finals, starting with Game 1 on Sunday, April 20 in Houston. Prior to meeting the Rockets, the Warriors will get four days off after securing a crucial win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in tournament.