Game 41: Houston Rockets Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

Houston Rockets’ fans — don’t call it a comeback!

But in all reality, it truly is.

This team has reeled off five-in-a-row and are finally finding innovative ways to win and beating the teams that they’re supposed to prevail over.

It’s great to see because I was getting ready to start pressing the panic button but if the Rockets continue on this path, they’re going to be just fine.

Their defense is still spotty but has gotten a tad bit better in this stretch.

The Rockets will be taking on the 27-10 Cleveland Cavaliers, favorites for this year’s championship, in a showdown tonight at Toyota Center on national television.

Last year’s match up at TC didn’t disappoint and we’re sure to see some fireworks as both teams come into tonight’s game relatively healthy.

It will be gritty, it won’t be easy but the Rockets are good enough to beat them but we’ll have to see if they can make it six-in-a-row.

So who’s leading the charge for the Cavaliers?

LeBron James is the team’s leading scorer (25.7 PPG), assist man (6.0 APG) and steals king (1.50 SPG). Kevin Love is the top board-getter (10.8 RPG) and Timofey Mozgov is the top shot-blocker (0.80 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Cavaliers do well.

They are a well-balanced team. The Cavaliers are ranked 5th in the NBA as far as defensive efficiency holding opponents to just 99.6 points per 100 possessions. They’re also ranked 4th in offensive efficiency, putting up 105.7 points per 100 possessions.

The control the glass usually wherever they go. The Cavaliers are ranked 3rd in rebound rate (52.3).

Injuries:

Patrick Beverley missed Wednesday night’s game against the T-Wolves because he was tending to family matter — his grandmother’s health is of great concern. His status for tonight is uncertain as my thoughts and prayers go out to he and his family. Jason Terry will get the start tonight if Bev isn’t available.

If you’ve been under a rock lately, Donatas Motiejunas‘ back issues have flared up again. Yep, another team member with a back issue! He has planned to sit out until he’s pain-free so no specific timeline has been set. This is such a setback to a guy that’s been working so hard to get back into a rhythm. There was no structural damage to the back itself so he may be back sooner than we think but he may not. We just have to cross our fingers for a speedy recovery. Montrezl Harrell will take his spot on the roster for the time being, he had been leading the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in scoring during his stint there (21.5 PPG).

Sam Dekker had back surgery back in November but the 2015 first-round pick seems to be edging closer to a return. He was seen shooting on the practice court for the first time since heading to the injured list. This is certainly a sign of good things to come.

Mo Williams’ uncle passed away this week and he has been out since. The team is unsure of when he’ll return and he did not make the team trip out to Texas. My wishes are the same for Mo’s family as well.

Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, Patrick Beverley (personal tweet) and Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Next: Is Patrick Beverley An Elite Shooter?

Three Things to Watch:

Dwight Howard vs. Tristan Thompson
James Harden vs. J.R. Smith
Patrick Beverley?/Jason Terry vs. Kyrie Irving
(Bonus) Clint Capela vs. Kevin Love
(Double-Bonus) Trevor Ariza vs. LeBron James

Prediction:

103-100 in a Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are at home to take on the Cavs at Toyota Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ESPN/ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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