Game 55: Toronto Raptors Vs. Houston Rockets Preview

The NBA schedulers didn’t waste any time giving the Houston Rockets a tough scheduling challenge after the All-Star break.

After a extremely bitter-tasting 111-100 loss to the Dallas Mavericks last night despite a gritty, inspiring 4th quarter comeback, the Rockets will undertake another tough team in a back-to-back.

That would be the rejuvenated, 37-17 Toronto Raptors.

This will be the first time these two teams have faced each other this season with their second and final meeting being March 30.

A lot has changed for the Raptors, who are at the center point of The 416.

The organization has evolved from a franchise in its infancy struggling to find its identity to transitioning to full-fledged adulthood and confidently knows what direction they’re headed.

Kyle Lowry, the one-time Rocket who is now the cornerstone to their organization and is the motor to their engine.

He is what keeps them going.

Apr 2, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center

Jonas Valanciunas

(17) shoots as Houston Rockets guard

James Harden

(13) tries to defend at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Rockets 107-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Just this past off season, he was rewarded with a well-deserved, four-year, $48 million deal.

He is also fresh off his first career All-Star appearance just one week ago.

He has come a long way since he was running the point for the Rockets, I’d love to have him back but I think he really has found a niche with the Raptors and the relationship between Kevin McHale and he may be irreparable.

He still continues to dole out the dimes like they’re going out of style like he always has.

Anyway, Lowry leads the Raptors in scoring (18.5 PPG), assists (7.2 APG) and steals (1.60 SPG). Jonas Valanciunas is the top-board getter (8.6 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.20 BPG).

Nov 11, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard

Kyle Lowry

(7) shoots the ball during the second overtime period at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

Similar to the Mavericks match up last night, this team shares many characteristics statistically.

But let’s talk about what the Raptors do well.

They’re prolific in terms of finding ways to score. The Raptors are 4th in the league in offensive efficiency averaging 108.9 per 100 possessions.

When the basketball is in their hands, they take care of it. The Raptors are 5th in league in turnover ratio with a paltry 11.9 percent of their possessions ending with a turnover.

It will be interesting to see if Patrick Beverley can put the clamps on one of the league’s most shining stars in Lowry.

James Harden will be matched up with the rising, extremely athletic star in DeMar DeRozan who has averaged 19.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 4.2 APG in the last five games.

Joey Dorsey, Josh Smith and Terrence Jones will be working hard to contain Valacinunas, who has averaged 10.0 RPG in the last five games.

By the way, according to the Houston Rockets, both K.J. McDaniels and Pablo Prigioni who were acquired Thursday via trade are expected to be in uniform tonight.

McDaniels will wear No. 32 and Prigioni will wear No. 9.

This won’t be an easy match up by any means for the Rockets, but it can certainly be a winning scenario.

We’ll have to see.

Three Things to Watch:

1. Lowry vs. Beverley

2. DeRozan vs. Harden

3. Dorsey, Smith, Jones vs. Valacinunas

Prediction:

102-98 in a Rockets’ win!

Also, just in case you’re attending the game tonight or watching the game on television, the Rockets will be donning some new threads in honor of the Lunar New Year. Check them out!

The Rockets take on the Raptors tonight at Toyota Center.

Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on 790 AM (KBME).

Go Rockets!

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