Game 57: Houston Rockets At Utah Jazz Preview

It’s been an interesting last 24 hours Houston Rockets fans!

When we thought Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton were heading off to greener pastures, they’re right back with the team at least physically.

The Detroit Pistons voided the three-team trade sending both to Motown because of concerns of D-Mo’s back.

This devastating news for D-Mo who has been working so hard to get back into playing shape.

His career moving forward could be uncertain as he was not able to pass the physical to get the trade approved.

I wish him nothing but the best as well as a speedy recovery while he gets better.

There’s no word yet as to when Thornton will rejoin the team whether it’s in Salt Lake City tonight or in Portland Thursday night for their match up there.

Any way, the Rockets will be facing the 27-28 Utah Jazz tonight, a formidable but beatable opponent tonight.

I hope to see some of the same defensive intensity I saw against the Phoenix Suns Friday night as this team is a bit more of a test.

If they stay in-sync with that, they can easily win this game despite how the three-ball falls tonight.

We’ll have to see — the Rockets defeated the Jazz 103-94 in their last meeting Jan. 7 at Toyota Center.

So who’s leading the charge for the Jazz?

More from House of Houston

Gordon Hayward is the leading scorer (19.9 PPG) and assist man (3.6 APG). Derrick Favors is the steals king (1.20 SPG). Rudy Gobert is the top board-getter (10.6 RPG) and shot-blocker (2.50 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Jazz do well.

They’re efficient when it comes to their rebounding. The Jazz are ranked 7th in the league in rebound rate (51.5) and 4th in offensive rebound rate (26.4). Although their rebounds per game are near the bottom of the pack — ranked 20th, 42.8 per game — they are good at knowing when and where to rebound to help themselves win basketball games.

They’re a decent offensive team. The Jazz are ranked 12th in the NBA in terms of offensive efficiency, averaging 103.5 points per 100 possessions.

Injuries:

The Detroit Pistons have voided the three-team trade that took place last Thursday because of concerns of Donatas Motiejunas‘ back. He did not pass their physical so he’s back with the Rockets. Although he’s with the team on paper, expect D-Mo to be out a while until this issue gets sorted out. Hopefully, we can see a return before the season is out.

Terrence Jones was involved in a car accident Feb. 3, and as a result, has been out. However, he did clear concussion protocol Sunday and was able to practice in full with the team. He is not on the injury report and is back in the lineup tonight.

Sam Dekker had back surgery back in November but the 2015 first-round pick seems to be edging closer to a return. He participated in his first full-contact practice since the injury last Wednesday. His return is imminent but he’ll be back-and-forth between the Rockets and the Vipers as he undergoes his training regimen as a result of his recovery from the procedure.

There are no injuries to report for the Utah Jazz.

Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com.

Next: D-Mo Is Back, What Does This Mean For The Rockets?

Three Things to Watch:

Prediction:

109-101 in a Rockets’ win!

The Rockets continue their road trip to take on the Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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