3 ways the Rockets can put a scare into the Warriors

EAST: IND vs. TOR I BOS vs. ATL I DET vs. CLE I CHA vs. MIA
WEST: DAL vs. OKC I POR vs. LAC I MEM vs. SA

With just a 4 percent estimated chance of winning the series, even the most optimistic Houston Rockets fans have little faith in their team's ability to beat the Golden State Warriors.

While it's very unlikely that Houston will win the opening-round matchup, the Rockets are still a talented team with playoff experience that could make things difficult for Golden State if they play their cards right.

Here are three ways the Rockets can put a scare into the mighty Warriors:

Patrick Beverley frustrates Steph Curry

Renowned as one of the league's biggest pests, Patrick Beverley's physicality and defensive prowess could make things tough for the MVP favorite.

While it's difficult to poke holes in Curry's game, the point guard's aversion to contact is no secret, particularly after the Cleveland Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova created havoc for him in last year's Finals.

The Warriors can survive despite a suboptimal series from Curry, but it certainly won't help them if Beverley is successful in frustrating the superstar.

James Harden plays at a MVP level

While there's never been any question about James Harden's offensive ability (minus the turnovers), the 26-year-old's lethargic approach on defense has tarnished what's otherwise a great career.

Harden did his best to shed his lazy reputation last season, as his 101.9 defensive rating played a part in his second-place finish in MVP voting.

Things got off to a rough start this season, as Harden allowed close to six points per 100 possessions more during the first half of 2015-16. However, the Arizona State product has recently looked more like his 2014-15 self, if not better.

Curry is undeniably the best player going into the series, but Harden's scoring prowess will be difficult to stop - especially in the fourth quarter, where he finished first in the league with 7.7 points per contest.

Their threes drop

The Warriors may be the most 3-point happy team in the league, but the Rockets aren't far behind. Jacking up 30.9 long bombs a night during the regular season, Houston would be wise to continue to hoist at that rate in their first-round showdown.

Keeping up with one of the greatest 3-point shooting teams ever won't be easy, but a big night from Harden, Beverley, or Trevor Ariza could put a scare into the Warriors' defense.

The Rockets were not the most accurate squad from deep - ranking 19th in the NBA - but a slight uptick in their shooting percentage could be enough to draw out the series longer than the Warriors had hoped.