The National Basketball Association defending champion Golden State Warriors are looking to bounce back after a heart-breaking 97-96 Game three loss against the Houston Rockets when the two teams meet on Sunday at the Toyota Center for Game number four of their best-of-seven first round playoffs series.

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The Warriors are currently leading the series with 2-1 and with the NBA's reigning MVP Stephen Curry returning tothe team's starting lineup, the Rockets will surely have their hands full.

Stephen Curry, who missed Games two and three due to a sprained right ankle, is expected to play - although the league's leading scorer is officially listed as questionable. Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr stated on Saturday that he expects the team's top point guard to play, and Curry himself had some thoughts following Friday's practice session.

"I think I can play through a little bit of discomfort and what-not, especially in a playoff situation," the three-time All-Star said. "Obviously, if I'm playing I'll be aggressive, I'll do exactly what I usually do when I'm out there on the floor, whether I make or miss shots. And I think we'll live with that, as long as I'm on the court."

Curry is averaging 30.1 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game in the regular season.

The Rockets, on the other hand, will be drawing motivation from their latest triumph over the team that they have beaten only twice in 16 encounters. They are expected to make full use of their home court advantage when they take on the Warriors on Sunday.

James Harden, who scored the winning basket in their last outing, is expected to carry the load for the Rockets to be able to even the series to two-all.

The projected starters for the Warriors are Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut. While Patrick Beverley, Harden, Corey Brewer, Trevor Ariza and Dwight Howard will begin for the Rockets.

TagsNBA 2016, 2016 nba playoffs, Golden State Warriors, houston rockets, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Klay Thompson, Dwight Howard