It’s almost All-Star break time and the Houston Rockets are still flirting with mediocrity as they have been all season.
They had an impressive win over the Miami Heat Tuesday night but I worry about how the Rockets will handle the 14-36 Phoenix Suns tonight.
The bad teams are the ones that concern me for the Rockets as they don’t take them all that seriously.
They better beat these guys tonight —Eric Bledsoeis done for the season andBrandon Knightmight be MIA for awhile as he tends to a groin injury.
This match up will certainly favor the Rockets and they must pounce early and often to wrap this up quick and fly back home to face the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday.
Let’s hope for the best.
So who’s leading the charge for the Suns?
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Markieff Morrisis the leading active scorer (10.8 PPG),the assist man (2.1 APG).P.J. Tuckeris the steals king (1.20 SPG).Tyson Chandleris the top board-getter (8.3 RPG) and the lead shot-blocker isAlex Len(0.90 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Suns do well.
They’re a decent defensive-rebounding team.The Suns are ranked 10th in the league in defensive rebound rate (76.8 percent of missed shots).
They love to have the ball in their hands.The Suns are 5th in the NBA in PACE Factor, averaging 100.1 possessions per game.
Injuries:
Terrence Joneswas involved in a car accident yesterday, and as a result, will not be available to play tonight. He has been ruled OUT.
Donatas Motiejunaswas recalled from the Rio Grande Valley Vipersbut 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 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.
Montrezl Harrellhas an illness and has alreadybeen ruled OUT for tonight.
Clint Capelahas been battling a hip injury for the past couple of games, although he did start at center Tuesday against the Miami Heat, he is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight withDwight Howardback in the fold.
There are no current injuries to report for the Phoenix Suns.
Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com.
Next:Rockets Will Be In Hot Pursuit Of Kevin Durant
Three Things to Watch:
- Dwight Howardvs.Tyson Chandler
- Clint Capela/Josh Smithvs.Markieff Morris
- How many minutes will the deep bench get tonight?
Prediction:
108-97in aRockets’win!
The Rockets hit the road to take on the Suns atTalking Stick Resort Arena.
Tip-off is scheduled for8 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwest/NBA TVand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME)andLa Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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