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Game 51: Houston Rockets Vs. Miami Heat Preview

By Brian K. Patterson

Nov 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) moves to the basket as Houston Rockets guard Marcus Thornton (10) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) moves to the basket as Houston Rockets guard Marcus Thornton (10) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Our Houston Rockets have now lost four-in-a-row after a devastating 123-122 loss to the Washington Wizards Saturday.

I just hope they can turn it around but they cannot left the referees dictate the outcome of games.

The problem is that there letting their emotions get the best of them and it causes them to lose their focus.

The same thing that happened against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday night, happened Saturday against the Wiz.

They’ve just got to remain focused and keep the task of just winning the basketball game at the forefront.

This team will have a considerably tough match up against the 27-21 Miami Heat and they need to be playing at close to a high level to beat this defensively-talented team.

Let’s hope for the best for tonight.

So who’s leading the charge for the Heat?

More from House of Houston

Chris Bosh is the leading scorer (19.2 PPG), Goran Dragic is the assist man (5.1 APG) and Dwyane Wade is the steals king (1.00 SPG).  Hassan Whiteside is the top board-getter (11.2 RPG) and lead shot-blocker (3.90 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Heat do well.

They’re an extremely-sound defensive team.  The Heat are 5th in the NBA in terms defensive efficiency, allowing just 99.8 points per 100 possessions.

They don’t allow for the second-chance that often.  The Heat are tied for 6th in the NBA — with the New Orleans Pelicans — in rebound rate (77.6).

They’re quite effective shooters.  The Heat are 11th in the league in effective field goal percentage (50.1) and 11th in true shooting percentage (53.9).

Injuries:

Dwight Howard will be OUT tonight as a result of his second-straight ejection in as many games and for making contact with a ref this past Saturday.

Donatas Motiejunas was recalled from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers but will go back there to make at least two more appearances before returning back in Rockets uniform.  His return is imminent and it should likely be within the next week or so.

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.

Hassan Whiteside has been dealing with an oblique injury and has missed time as a result.  Eric Spoelstra has hinted that he’ll likely be OUT for tonight.

Chris Andersen has been suffering from a knee injury and did not make the team’s three-game road trip starting with the Rockets tonight.  He’ll be OUT for tonight.

Sources:  Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, Mark Berman of FOX 26 (KRIV), Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post and Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Next: Rockets: Make A Play For Jeff Teague?

Three Things to Watch:

  1. Patrick Beverley vs. Goran Dragic
  2. Clint Capela vs. Amar’e Stoudemire
  3. James Harden vs. Dwyane Wade
  4. (Bonus) Trevor Ariza vs. Chris Bosh
  5. (Double-Bonus) Corey Brewer vs. Luol Deng

Prediction:

105-100 in a Rockets’ win!

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

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.

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

Go Rockets!

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