Game 26: Atlanta Hawks Vs. Houston Rockets Preview

The Houston Rockets are back at it again after a day of rest after a tough loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

That certainly was a game that was winnable by the team but I knew after so many games, the energy the team would put together down the stretch to win would fizzle and catch up to them.

With Jason Terry being out the past two games welcoming a new baby into his family, it’s certainly evident how much of a value he has to this team.

His shooting and his stellar defense are what helped the Rockets survive that long stretch without Dwight Howard.

The Houston Rockets have reported that he should be back tonight:

That’s certainly bodes as good news for a team that’s lacking production off the bench as of late.

The Rockets didn’t shoot the ball all that well and it appeared as if they were missing something against the Pelicans.

As of yesterday, the Rockets have acquired guard Corey Brewer and forward/center veteran Ronny Turiaf in exchange for Troy Daniels with some draft picks in the mix from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Rockets and the T-Wolves also agreed for guard Alexey Shved to shipped to H-Town as well.

This should be a nice shot in the arm to the Rockets’ bench as Brewer is averaging 10.5 points per game shooting 41 percent from the field. Morey found a third team to take Turiaf off his hands in the Sixers — I honestly didn’t expect him to be a Rocket that long anyway.

Shved looks to improve off a disappointing 2013-14 campaign were he averaged career lows in minutes (10.5), points (4.0) and assists (1.1).

Shved is currently averaging 9.9 points, 2.7 assists while shooting 84 percent from the line and 40 percent from the field. His minutes had been up this season with the Sixers, averaging 16.8 of those per game.

He’s off to a solid start so far and it will be up to Kevin McHale and the rest of his coaching staff to mold him into his full potential while he’s here.

After all, that’s their job right?

I think they can do it and Shved may actually turn some heads with his finesse moves while slashing to the basket.

He was likely added to the deal to sweeten the pot but I doubt we’ll ever see him in a Rockets’ uniform as Morey will probably include him in a future deal to land someone else.

Nov 27, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder (17) brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

With that being said, the Rockets have a difficult task against the 18-7 Atlanta Hawks, a top-tiered team in the Eastern Conference.

They currently possess the league’s 8th-ranked offense, averaging 103 points per game and are also ranked No. 7 in defense, holding opponents to 97 points per game.

So we’ll have to see how the Rockets’ No. 3-ranked defense — holding opponents to 96 points per game — can deal with the Hawks.

The most important match up to watch is whomever Patrick Beverley will be guarding, whether it will be Jeff Teague and/or backup Dennis Schroder.

Teague leads the team in points (16.8) and assists (7.0) so a lot of the offense flows through him. If Beverley can shut him down, then that will certainly help the Rockets chancing of winning that basketball game.

Teague is listed as doubtful for tonight as he is reeling from a hamstring injury he sustained Monday against the Chicago Bulls.

Schroder had his first career double-double — 10 points, 10 assists — against the Cleveland Cavaliers while subbing for Teague in the starting lineup. The Hawks beat the Cavs 127-98.

Jan 10, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward

Paul Millsap

(4) passes the ball against Houston Rockets power forward

Dwight Howard

(12) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 83-80. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It will also be intriguing to watch the Rockets front court match up with the Hawks’ bigs.

D-Mo will be tasked to defend Paul Millsap and Howard will guard Al Horford.

Millsap leads the team in rebounds (7.8) and steals (2.20) while Horford leads in the blocks category (1.40).

There will be lots of tussling in the paint between these pairs of big men and we’ll see who wins the battle of the front court.

It’s expected that Brewer will be available for tonight’s game so I look forward to determine how effective he is off the Rockets’ bench tomorrow night.

He will be needed.

This will be quite the challenge for the Rockets but not one they can’t handle. They still can win this game but the Hawks won’t make it easy for them.

Three Things to Watch:

1. Beverley vs. Teague/Schroder

2. D12/D-Mo vs. Millsap/Horford

3. How effective Brewer is in his first appearance in a Rockets uniform

Prediction:

96-92 in a Rockets’ win