Game 10: Houston Rockets Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
The Houston Rockets have graciously sailed to an 8-1 record over the past nine games.
They’ve been tested here and there — they’ve certainly passed with flying colors.
The one loss the team has had this season — an 98-87 loss to the Golden State Warriors — was certainly a moot point because the team did not have a full staff.
Not having your franchise center as well as two key role players on the team can really hurt.
They still persevered with what they had until toward the end where Stephen Curry just ran wild.
So here we are.
Now it’s 10 games into the season and the next opponent up?
The Oklahoma City Thunder.
Apr 4, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Serge Ibaka(9) drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
You’d think this match up would mean a lot more but the Thunder are without two of their franchise players in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
It’s like they’re fighting with one arm.
I’m sure they feel the same way as the Rockets did when they faced the Warriors last weekend.
The memories are still vivid in the regard — it was my first Rockets’ recap I wrote for House of Houston & a game that I attended — to the last time these two teams faced each other. Take a look at it here.
It was April 4, at Toyota Center and the Rockets maintained control of the game for most of the way.
Durant did get his team back into game with 19 points in the second half to push the Thunder up by eight.
But it was ultimately James Harden that once again saved the day with 11 points in the 4th to lead the Rockets to a 111-107 win.
Harden had 39 points on the night.
As of right now, Westbrook is expected to be re-evaluated from his injury in a couple of weeks and Durant will likely return in December at best.
Until then, the players that are there must hold the fort down.
Apr 4, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Reggie Jackson(15) drives the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
This is the Rockets’ opportunity to pounce to get a good lead in the conference before those guys come back.
Reggie Jackson is playing out of his mind right now.
He has nearly doubled his point per game average by double from 13.1 to 22.4. He definitely has doubled his assists per game from 4.1 to 8.1, good enough for 4th in the league.
The Rockets must contain him and prevent him from making things happen — with the Thunder dipping to averaging 92 points a game as team, Jackson comprises nearly a quarter of their offense.
Isaiah Canaan will likely be tasked with guarding Jackson because he’d do a better than any other player we have in the back court.
Speaking of Harden, he has gotten to the line quite a bit hasn’t he.
The Rockets are 3rd in the league in free throws attempted and that’s because of the Beard doing what he does best.
In fact, Harden leads the league in free throws made per game (9.8) and attempted (10.8).
Will he continue his success of getting to the line?
Apr 4, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard
James Harden(13) attempts a free throw during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
I say yes — the Thunder have a lot of inexperience in the lineup and they’re going to fall for the bait — Harden’s finesse movement through the lane with a series of fakes that creates contact by defenders. He is the best at selling that move and I love it.
And finally, Serge Ibaka is the Thunder’s only semblance of an inside presence. He leads the team in rebounds per game (7.6) and blocks per game (1.60).
Dwight Howard will match up with Ibaka because he is the best defender for the job — I love Donatas Motiejunas but he will get his lunch ate because Ibaka is on another level.
It will be interesting to see if Howard can win this defensive battle and keep his consecutive streak on eight games with a double-double alive and kicking.
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Although I think the Thunder will give them a challenge, the Rockets will maintain control and should win this one marginally.
Let’s hope they continue to keep their top-billing in the league in terms point margins for their wins. They’re currently averaging a margin of 10 points per win. Of course, Friday night’s game dipped that average a bit with the Rockets beating the Philadelphia 76ers by one — final score 88-87.
Three things to Watch:
1. How well Canaan (and the rest of the Rockets) can contain Jackson
2. The continuation of Harden’s dominance at the free-throw line
3. Howard vs. Ibaka
Prediction:
101-88 in the Rockets’ favor
The Rockets head up to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on NBA TV (no blackout!) and broadcast on 790 AM (KBME).
Go Rockets!