The Houston Rockets take on the New York Knicks for the 2nd time in as many weeks and it’s going to be a must-win for both.
It’s a Rockets’ must-win because they need to get back to respectability and the Knicks want to get off the three-game skid that they’re on.
The Rockets were able to pull out a gritty 116-114 win against the lowly 0-17 Philadelphia 76ers as they continue to shatter major professional sports records for futility.
They had me worried after blowing an 11-point lead down the stretch but Dwight Howard stepped up big time in the paint preventing the 76ers from doing the unthinkable against us.
That game would’ve been in hand had we made our free throws down the stretch. When James Harden is missing his free throws, then there’s a problem.
As for the Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis has been getting into foul trouble as of late, limiting his minutes and scoring only 11 points in their 97-78 loss to the Miami Heat, their last game. He also has not shot well either, going 10-for-31 (a 32 percent clip) within their current skid.
Nonetheless, Howard is back in the lineup and will be playing in back-to-backs for the first time this season as he has been cleared by doctors to do so.
He’ll make a world of difference in this match up tonight so we’ll have to see how it goes.
So who’s leading the charge for the Knicks?
Not surprisingly,Carmelo Anthonyleads the Knicks in scoring (22.1 PPG) and in assists (3.2 APG). Rookie phenomPorzingisis the team’s top board-getter (9.1 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.90 BPG) as well asLangston Gallowayin steals (1.10 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Knicks do well.
They take care of the basketball.Since the Rockets last match up, the Knicks have elevated to 2nd in the league in turnover ratio with just a measly 12.5 percent of their total possessions ending in a turnover.
They attack the boards for the second chance.The Knicks have also elevated to 4th in the league in offensive rebound rate (27.1).
Injuries:
Donatas Motiejunaswill be making a return to the court soon, there’s no timetable that has been setbut he’s doing more-and-more everyday. J.B. Bickerstaff said that he’s doing one-on-one drills and he is “salivating” for the day when he can get back into the lineup.
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Sam Dekkerhadback surgery last weekand is expected to miss about three months.
There are no injuries to report for the New York Knicks.
Source: Jenny Dial Creech and Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
Three Things to Watch:
- Battle of the Front Court —Terrence Jones/Marcus Thorntonvs. Carmelo Anthony andTrevor Arizavs. Porzingis
- James Hardenvs.Arron Afflalo
- Will the defense show some improvement?
Prediction:
107-105in aRockets’win!
The Rockets hit the road to take on theKnicksatMadison Square Garden.
Tip-off is scheduled for6:30 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME)andLa Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
Next: This Rockets Season Is A Wash
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