Houston Rockets Vs. Charlotte Hornets: Game 40: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets continue to show the professional basketball word that they’re for real and they’re not playing around.
The Houston Rockets continue to show the professional basketball word that they’re for real and they’re not playing around.
Despite being down against the Toronto Raptors most of game by as much as 13 points, these gutsy men banded together and took over the lead in the 4th quarter.
They didn’t look back…
You should be proud of what this team is doing and I’m positive that there’s more in store.
They’ll be taking on the 20-18 Charlotte Hornets as they’re in rough patch of injuries.
It’s likely that they won’t have a full staff tonight — see below for team injuries — which gives the Rockets a considerable advantage in the match ups game.
So who’s leading the charge for the Hornets?
Kemba Walker leads the team in scoring (23.1 PPG) and steals (1.2 SPG). Nicolas Batum is the top board-getter (7.4 RPG) and in charge of the dimes (5.8 APG). Roy Hibbert is the team’s premier shot-blocker (1.1 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Hornets do well.
They’re highly defensive-minded. The Hornets are 8th in defensive efficiency, allowing 104 points per 100 possessions.
They don’t make that many mistakes. The Hornets are 1st in turnover ratio, with only 10.9 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
They’re efficient at moving the ball around. The Hornets are 7th in assist ratio, with 17.6 percent of their possessions ending with an assist.
They rebound the ball defensively well. The Hornets are 3rd in the NBA as far as defensive rebound rate (79.2).
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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 back Dec. 31 against the New York Knicks. He returned to action last night against the Oklahoma City Thunder back Jan. 5, chipping in 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
This included him snagging four of those rebounds in the last 90 minutes of the game. He was still in a lot of pain after the game and he’ll likely continue to play through it. I’d definitely keep an eye on the progression of his healing.
Eric Gordon sprained his left big toe against the Raptors Sunday night and has been ruled as QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s match up.
For the Hornets, Nicolas Batum has been battling a knee injury since last week and hasn’t appeared in a game. He has already been ruled as DOUBTFUL tonight. This is a huge loss to their front line as well as their defensive/scoring punch.
Cody Zeller has an undisclosed illness and has been ruled as QUESTIONABLE for tonight.
Source(s): Houston Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com and the Charlotte Hornets
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverley vs. Kemba Walker
- Trevor Ariza vs. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrell vs. Cody Zeller/Frank Kaminsky/Roy Hibbert
- Ryan Anderson vs. Marvin Williams
Prediction:
122-110 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets have returned home to take on the Hornets 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), Sirius 217, XM/SiriusXM 214 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!