Houston Rockets Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Game 37: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets continue to display their resiliency night in and out.
The Houston Rockets continue to display their resiliency night in and out.
The Rockets were as much as 15 points down on the Washington Wizards Monday and they found a way to get back into the game and win it.
It’s truly incredible to see and is a testament of how great the chemistry is among the members of this basketball team.
Now this may not always work with teams like the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs but this can be expected with the run of the litter of the NBA.
It was truly inspiring to witness and I hope to see more of it down the line.
But any way, the Rockets will take on the 21-15 Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in prime-time on TNT!
I’d expect a hell of a match up tonight as Patrick Beverley is expected to play and you know how the tension is between he and Russell Westbrook.
It will also be a duel of sorts between James Harden and Westbrook as both make their case as to why they should be the league’s most valuable player.
It’s going to be a exciting one so hold on to your hats folks!
So who’s leading the charge for the Thunder?
Russell Westbrook leads the team in scoring (30.9 PPG), boards (10.5 RPG), dimes (10.5 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG). Yes, the man is averaging a triple-double and that’s purely insane! Jerami Grant is the top shot-blocker (1.0 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Thunder do well.
They’re solid defenders. The Thunder are 9th in defensive efficiency, allowing just 103.9 points per 100 possessions.
They’re an excellent rebounding team. The Thunder are tied for 2nd in league — with the Chicago Bulls — in rebound rate, taking down 52.6 percent of missed shots.
They love to have the basketball in their hands. The Thunder are 7th in PACE Factor, averaging 100.1 possessions per game.
Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?
Injuries:
Clint Capela collided into Karl-Anthony Towns Dec. 17th against the T-Wolves. He seemed to be in tremendous pain and could not walk on his own power to locker room.
It’s apparent that he has a minor fracture of his fibula and is expected to be out at least four weeks. Nene will have some big shoes to fill as Capela heals but the Rockets can press on without him.
It would be nice for the Rockets to make a deal for his replacement but I think the depth of our bench could fill his void.
Patrick Beverley has been dealing with some pain in his wrist that sidelined him this past Saturday against the New York Knicks. He has been deemed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game. As usual, expect Corey Brewer to step in the starting lineup if Bev can’t go. However, Mike D’Antoni has signaled that he expects him to play tomorrow.
There are no major injuries to report for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Source(s): Houston Rockets & Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverley vs. Russell Westbrook
- James Harden vs. Victor Oladipo
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrell vs. Steven Adams
- Ryan Anderson vs. Domantas Sabonis
Prediction:
112-107 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on the Thunder at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on TNT and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!