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Game 59: Houston Rockets Vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview

By Brian K. Patterson

Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the second half at Toyota Center. The Spurs won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the second half at Toyota Center. The Spurs won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time in nearly three weeks, the Houston Rockets are back at home to do work!

After an impressive comeback from 21 points down, capping off a 44-16 final run for a 119-105 over the Portland Trail Blazers Thursday night, the Rockets can hold their heads up high now that they’re at home.

There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done but at least they have some confidence going into this match up that they can beat any and everyone.

They’re back to face the 49-9 San Antonio Spurs, which has usually been a match up that doesn’t disappoint.

I actually think the Rockets can win based off their momentum but it won’t be easy.

We’ll have to see.

So who’s leading the charge for the Spurs?

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Kawhi Leonard is the leading scorer (20.3 PPG) and steals king (1.80 SPG).  Tony Parker is the assist man (5.1 APG). LaMarcus Aldridge is the top board-getter (8.3 RPG) and Tim Duncan is the dominant shot-blocker (1.30 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Spurs do well.

They’re the most defensively-efficient team in the NBA.  The Spurs are ranked No. 1 in defensive efficiency, allowing just 95.7 points per 100 possessions, almost a full four points above the runner-up Indiana Pacers (99.4).

They’re offensively potent.  The Spurs are ranked No. 3 in the NBA in offensive efficiency, scoring 109.2 points per 100 possessions.

They’re rebounding beasts.  The Spurs are ranked No. 2 in the NBA as far as rebound rate, taking down 52.6 percent of missed shots.

Injuries:

After receiving additional tests and the second opinions that he requested, Donatas Motiejunas may get the clearance he needs to return back to the lineup.  AS EARLY AS TONIGHT.  I’ll be keeping an eye on this development as he’ll be a tremendous lift off the bench.  I expect that his status will likely be upgraded to QUESTIONABLE.

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.

Matt Bonner has missed a few games because of issues with his calf.  He has been ruled OUT for tonight.

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

Next: The Return Of D-Mo: Shall We Embrace?

Three Things to Watch:

  1. Patrick Beverley vs. Tony Parker
  2. Dwight Howard vs. Tim Duncan
  3. James Harden vs. Danny Green

Prediction:

98-94 in a Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are back at home to take on the Spurs at Toyota Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 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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