The Houston Rockets are winners of three-in-a-row and finally starting to look a cohesive basketball team again!
Who knew that just picking upJosh Smithwould transmogrify the whole morale of the team?
These guys look like they’re having fun out there and this is certainly what I like to see!
Let’s just hope this momentum continues as we try to gain a foothold in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Rockets will have the toughest of tests tonight against the Spurs as they were embarrassed on national television after they experienced a 120-90 beat-down Monday night and are looking for redemption.
But the Rockets are capable of beating this team, they did so in a 88-84 win on Christmas Day.
I’m confident that our team will look good tonight and will look even better ifDwight Howardis able to give it a go.
So who’s leading the charge for the Spurs?
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Kawhi Leonardis the leading scorer (20.0 PPG) and steals king (1.90 SPG).LaMarcus Aldridgeis the top board-getter (8.7 RPG).Tony Parkeris the assist man (5.0 APG).Tim Duncanis the lead shot-blocker (1.30 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Spurs do well.
They’re the most defensively-efficient team in the NBA.The Spurs are ranked No. 1 in defensive efficiency, allowing just 94.0 points per 100 possessions, almost a full five points above the runner-up Boston Celtics (98.6).
They’re offensively potent.The Spurs are ranked No. 3 in the NBA in offensive efficiency, scoring 108.2 points per 100 possessions.
They’re rebounding beasts.The Spurs are ranked No. 2 in the NBA as far as rebound rate (53.3).
Injuries:
Dwight Howardsprained his left ankle early into last Wednesday’s gameagainst the Detroit Pistons. He didn’t return that night and missed the game against the Milwaukee Bucks last Friday.There is a possibility that he’ll be available sometime this week as the Rockets are on the roadagainst the Pels, the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder, returning back Saturday for a game against the Washington Wizards, the second game of a back-to-back. My best guess is that he could make a return as early as against the Spurs tonight. But with Dwight, you never know so we’ll just cross our fingers. His status is officially day-to-day and he has beenhas been upgraded toQUESTIONABLEfor tonight.
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.
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.
Tim Duncanhas been dealing with soreness in his right knee, causing him to miss a few games. He has been ruledOUTfor tonight.
Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com and the San Antonio Spurs.
Next:The Return Of Josh Smith's Rockets
Three Things to Watch:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Tony Parker
- Trevor Arizavs.Kawhi Leonard
- Clint Capelavs.LaMarcus Aldridge
- (Bonus) What will the “Josh Smith Effect” have on the Spurs?
Prediction:
110-107in aRockets’win!
The Rockets are on the road to take on theSpursatAT&T Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onESPN/ROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME)andLa Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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