Denver Nuggets Seek Revenge on Houston Rockets
By Taylor Pate
Apr 6, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) holds up one finger following the Houston Rockets 130-125 overtime win against the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
The Rockets scored a SCORCHING 145 points last night against the Lakers. James Harden had 33 points and yet another 10-assist game. Terrence Jones also chipped in 33 points on 13-18 shooting. However, the offense has never been the problem with this team. The Rockets gave up 130 points to the Lakers, and the defense has struggled since Patrick Beverley‘s injury.
The Rockets may also rest their players. They have recalled Robert Covington and Troy Daniels so they may choose to rest a few players over the next few games.
The Nuggets haven’t played since the last match-up between these two teams, and will be well-rested against the Rockets. It took James Harden’s heroics to will the Rockets to a 130-125 OT win last week against this team, so the Rockets will need to be aggressive early if they want to win. The game can be seen on CSN Houston at 8pm.
Matchups
Point Guard – Jeremy Lin vs. Aaron Brooks
Aaron Brooks was excellent on Sunday against his former team. He had 24 points, 15 assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals. He did, however, have 7 turnovers. Jeremy Lin had 19 points, including 9 of the final 11 points in the first half. This match-up is a fun one to watch. It’s close.
Edge – Even
Shooting Guard – James Harden vs. Randy Foye
James Harden had 32 points and 10 assists (eerily similar to last night’s game), including a ridiculous game-tying 3 point shot with about 7 seconds left. Foye was near his average with 11 points and shot just 4-11.
Edge – Rockets
Small Forward – Chandler Parsons vs. Quincy Miller
Miller had a career-high 19 points against the Rockets. Chandler Parsons, though, seems to have found other ways to score since his 3-point shooting has been below average lately. Adjusting your game is a great characteristic for a young player, and Parsons has been able to do so remarkably.
Edge: Rockets
Power Forward – Terrence Jones vs. Kenneth Faried
Terrence Jones is coming off of a huge game. Faried had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds in the last game. I still give a slight edge to Faried, as his rebounding prowess is something to be reckoned with.
Edge – Nuggets
Center – Omer Asik vs. Timofey Mozgov
Boy, how smart does Daryl Morey look now? Asik was 2 points shy of pulling a “Barbara Walters” when he tied a career-high 23 rebounds in the last game, to go with 18 points. Mozgov dropped 15 points and pulled in 7 rebounds, but had 4 turnovers.
Edge – Rockets
Bench
Houston Rockets – Donatas Motiejunas, Omri Casspi, Isaiah Canaan, Francisco Garcia, and Jordan Hamilton
Denver Nuggets — Evan Fournier, Darrell Arthur, Jan Vesely, Anthony Randolph
Edge – Rockets
Injuries
Houston Rockets – Patrick Beverley (OUT) Dwight Howard (OUT) Greg Smith (OUT)
Denver Nuggets — Wilson Chandler (questionable) Ty Lawson (questionable) J.J. Hickson, JaVale McGee, Nate Robinson, and Danilo Gallinari are all out for the season.
Prediction
The Rockets will be tired. They’re on the SEGABABA, and are going into the toughest altitude in the NBA. I think this is a game where Kevin McHale gives the guys a little more rest than usual and we see a lot of bench minutes. The Nuggets are still playing with nearly an entire bench unit. Look for a tight matchup, with the Rockets winning 101-97.