Game 70: Houston Rockets At Indiana Pacers Preview
Ouch.
The Houston Rockets Saturday night match up against the Phoenix Suns was likely one of the most lackluster defensive efforts I’ve seen all season.
It certainly was a tale of two halves — the first half decent, second half abysmal.
The things that were happening to this team down stretch were totally uncharacteristic of the traits that we’d expect out of this basketball team.
It was what ultimately cost us that game as well.
It was truly a valiant effort by the Rockets when they made a late run to get back in the game to win but the Suns shut down the Rockets and they only scored two points in the final 5:32 compared to their 12.
You can’t win basketball games when you’re doing things like that.
A game that seemed so winnable became quickly out-of-reach as they carelessly let the game slip through their fingers.
But that’s water under the bridge and it’s time for the Rockets to focus on the next opponent — the 30-39 Indiana Pacers.
Life has been tough for the Pacers as they’ve hobbled through the season without their star in Paul George but because of the weakness of the Eastern Conference, they actually have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs.
If George does return before the end of the season, this team could get hot at the right time an get in.
But it’s sad to see the No. 6 through No. 8 seeds have sub-.500 records though, demonstrating how pedestrian one could be and still make the playoffs.
Although the Pacers did make it interesting for awhile in their last head-to-head with the Rockets Jan. 19, they were no match for which at the time, a full slate of a roster that was only missing Terrence Jones. The Rockets beat the Pacers 110-98.
For the Pacers, George Hill leads the team in scoring (15.1 PPG) and assists (4.6 APG) while Roy Hibbert leads in rebounding (7.1 RPG) and blocks (1.70 BPG). C.J. Miles leads in steals (0.90 SPG).
But let’s talk about what the Pacers do well.
This team does play some quality defense. Although the Pacers are offensively deficient (25th in the NBA in offensive efficiency), they know how to defend the basketball quite well. They’re currently ranked 10th in the league allowing 100.9 points per 100 possessions.
They wipe the glass clean. The Pacers are 7th in the league in rebound rate — they rebound whopping 51.1 percent of missed shots.
And here’s the injury report for the Rockets via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
Rockets add Josh Smith (ankle sprain) to injury list. He's questionable tonight. Ariza (illness), Beverley (bursitis) also quesitonable.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 23, 2015
The Pacers have also tweeted the status of their players as well:
Injury report: Rodney Stuckey (sore left calf) is questionable and Paul George is out for tonight's game against the Rockets.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 23, 2015
The most important match up to watch is how the Rockets employ their defensive strategy on Roy Hibbert who has averaged 14.0 PPG and 6.4 RPG in the last five games. He’ll be going up against Donatas Motiejunas, Joey Dorsey and hopefully Josh Smith if he’s available.
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If J-Smoove does play tonight, that will change things tremendously because of his first-rate defensive prowess. But if not, we’re probably going to struggle trying to find a way to stop him.
Also keep your eye on Patrick Beverley going up against George Hill. He is the Pacers’ go-to guy and the only semblance of offense for that team. He has averaged 21.0 PPG and 4.8 APG in the last five games. Let’s hope Bev can lock him down because that certainly would make things easier on the Rockets.
This is a game that the Rockets can still win because of their offensive talents but defending Hibbert will likely be problem for the Rockets tonight as we’re depleted in that area. But if J-Smoove gives it a go, that changes everything.
And besides the Pacers haven’t played all that well — 5-5 in the last 10 games — so they may look to turn things around against the Rockets on their home court.
It will be also intriguing to see what type of strategy will they use on the Rockets, particularly James Harden to remain competitive.
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Three Things to Watch:
1. D-Mo/Dorsey/Smith? vs. Hibbert
2. Beverley vs. Hill
3. The Pacers’ defensive strategy on the Rockets
Prediction:
105-97 in a Rockets’ win!
The Rockets take on the Pacers tonight on the road at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CDT.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest/NBA TV and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME).
Go Rockets!
Next: 5 Hot Questions: Houston Rockets Playoff Preview Edition #1