What an impressive win the Houston Rockets had Friday over the Milwaukee Bucks!
Sure, they weren’t the utmost in competition but we saw things with the Rockets that weren’t apparent all-season.
Josh Smithseems to have been the catalyst of bringing the old Rockets back with his superior defense, passing abilities and eventually his timely shots.
Did you see that pass he made toMarcus Thornton?
I went wild when I saw it!
But it’s back to business for the Rockets this afternoon as they face the 25-20 Dallas Mavericks.
They have overachieved as of late andChandler Parsonshas been carrying the team on his back as some of their bigs have been hurt. He had 26 points, five rebounds in their 109-106 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday night.
This will be a test for the Rockets but it may be toned down a bit if their bigs are not a go, most of them are questionable for today.
We’ll have to see but it’ll be an entertaining game nonetheless.
So who’s leading the charge for the Mavericks?
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Dirk Nowitzkiis the leading scorer (17.7 PPG).Zaza Pachuliais the team’s top board-getter (10.7 RPG).Deron Williamsis the assist man (5.6 APG) and the steals king isWesley Matthews(1.10 SPG).JaVale McGeeis the prime shot-blocker (0.90 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Mavericks do well.
They take care of the basketball quite well.The Mavericks are 4th in the league as far as turnover ration with 12.3 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
They take advantage of opportunities at the charity stripe.The Mavericks are 9th in the league as far as free-throw percentage (78.8).
Injuries:
Dwight Howardsprained his left ankle early into Wednesday’s gameagainst the Detroit Pistons. He didn’t return that night and missed the game against the Milwaukee Bucks Friday.Both J.B. BickerstaffandHoward have said there’s a small possibilitythat he’ll be available today. I expect that he won’t be available as he didn’t practice yesterday. His status will likely beDOUBTFUL.
If you’ve been under a rock lately,Donatas Motiejunas‘ back issues have flared up again.He has planned to sit out until he’s pain-free so no specific timelinehas 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 Harrellwill 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 Dekkerhad back surgery back in Novemberbut 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.
Dirk Nowitzkihas some issues with his right kneeand has been ruledQUESTIONABLEfor today.
Zaza Pachuliais dealing with some lower right leg painand has been ruled asQUESTIONABLEfor today.
Jeremy Evansis being treated for right shoulder tendinitisand has been ruled asQUESTIONABLEfor today.
Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, Mark Berman of FOX26 (KRIV) and Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com.
Next:Will Ty Lawson Be Retained Beyond The Trade Deadline?
Three Things to Watch:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Deron Williams
- James Hardenvs.Wesley Matthews
- Trevor Arizavs.Chandler Parsons
- (Bonus) The rest of our bigs vs. whomever is available to play at forward for the Mavs
Prediction:
106-101in aRockets’win!
The Rockets are at home to take on theMavericksatToyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for2:30 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!
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