Game 3: Boston Celtics Vs. Houston Rockets Preview
The Houston Rockets have powered their way to a fast 2-0 start after starting the season off a back-to-back against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz.
The team performed well in both contests and maintained their poise and control throughout.
The Jazz did give them a nice run for their money but the Rockets contain too much firepower to have allowed them back in the game.
In fact, it’s the first time since the 2008-09 where the team has started the season 2-0 on a back-to-back while scoring in double-digit winning fashion.
What a feat!
Nov 19, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) drives the ball during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
They will now face their next opponent in the Boston Celtics — with a completely, revamped roster that is on-the-mend from the team that won a championship about a decade ago.
Rajon Rondo is back in uniform after completing the process of recovering from left hand surgery. He was originally estimated to miss one to three weeks of the regular season but has recovered ahead of schedule.
And it has showed — he had 13 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in 30 minutes action against the New Jersey Nets.
Patrick Beverley, the team’s seasoned defensive specialist, will be tasked with attempting to lock down the highly-energetic and pass-happy point guard.
This will be THE match up to watch as these two defensive talents go at it with each trot up-and-down the hardwood.
Dwight Howard is definitely at full-tilt completing his second double-double in as many games. He had 22 points and 10 boards in 31 minutes of action against the Jazz.
However, he did foul out late in the game — he really has to be careful with managing his fouls because it can come to bite the team as whole, especially down the stretch. He had five fouls against the Lakers Wednesday.
This has been something he has been dealing with his whole career and he must pay extra attention to it because the team needs him out there. Luckily, that wasn’t the case Wednesday night but there will be times where they will.
It will be interesting to see if he can tonight plus I still see a dominant game out of him.
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The Rockets also have to make sure not too pour all of their defensive resources on Rondo or else he will burn the team and make us pay by dishing off to the other members of the starting five in Avery Bradley, Jared Sullinger, Jeff Green and Kelly Olynyk.
This game should not be a difficult assignment for the Rockets and they should win quite easily against a team that’s widely young and inexperienced.
Beverley is listed as questionable for this game with a strained hamstring but I fully expect him to play as he has played through pain before.
I’m sure he’s licking his chops at his match up against Rondo.
Also, Clint Capela (groin strain) and Nick Johnson (lower back strain) are out for tonight.
Three Things To Watch:
1. Patrick Beverley vs. Rajon Rondo
2. Kevin McHale‘s management of defensive resources
3. Dwight Howard’s ability to control his fouls
Prediction:
115 – 105 in the Rockets’ favor
The Rockets will host the Celtics in their home opener tonight. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be televised on CSN Houston and broadcast on 790 AM (KBME).
Go Rockets!