Game 53: Houston Rockets Vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview
The Houston Rockets have decided to string off two wins in a row.
Despite how unimpressive Thursday night’s 111-105 win over the Phoenix Suns was, they still are elevating themselves over .500 and still hold on to a theoretical playoff spot if they started today.
It’s almost All-Star break time and the Rockets need strong finish and a soft landing before the festivities.
They’ll face the 24-27 Portland Trail Blazers today which is a team that’s virtually a carbon-copy of the Rockets with just a bit less talent than we have.
They’re closing in fast on the standings so the Rockets need to watch their backs so that they’re not on the outside looking in.
This should be a good match up to see regardless and let’s hope the Rockets bring their best.
Quite honestly, that’s all we can ask.
So who’s leading the charge for the Trail Blazers?
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Damian Lillard is the leading scorer (24.0 PPG) and assist man (7.3 APG). C.J. McCollum is the steals king (1.10 SPG). Mason Plumlee is the top board-getter (7.7 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.10 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Trail Blazers do well.
They’re offensively sound. The Blazers are 8th in the league in offensive efficiency, averaging 104.3 points per 100 possessions.
They’re quite solid at rebounding the basketball. The Blazers 6th in the league in rebound rate, snagging the boards on 51.7 percent of missed shots.
They’re quite good from the field. The Blazers are 10th in the NBA in effective field goal percentage (50.6).
Injuries:
Terrence Jones was involved in a car accident Wednesday, and as a result, will not be available to play today. He has been diagnosed with a concussion and has been ruled OUT.
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.
Noah Vonleh has been dealing with a left ankle sprain for a bit, he’ll be likely ruled as DOUBTFUL today.
Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com and Mark Berman of FOX 26 (KRIV).
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Three Things to Watch:
Prediction:
104-99 in a Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on the Trail Blazers at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!