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Game 55: Houston Rockets At Portland Trail Blazers Preview

ByBrian K. Patterson|
Feb 6, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in the second half at Toyota Center. Portland won 96 to 79. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in the second half at Toyota Center. Portland won 96 to 79. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

I’m actually pleased with the Houston Rockets performance last night.

Although they didn’t beat the Golden State Warriors, I liked that they started giving a damn just shortly before the half by playing defense and getting chased of the court like outcasts.

The Rockets hung with them for awhile but the Warriors’ immense firepower was just a bit too much for the Rockets.

The chances of us beating that team were quite slim but it’s good to see that this team made it competitive.

At this moment, it’s difficult for any team to beat to them all the Rockets can do is play to the best of their ability.

But the Rockets will participate in a back-to-back tonight and face the 26-27 Portland Trail Blazers, who put a 96-79 whopping on them this past Saturday.

I’m positive that we’ll see a better effort for tonight but it remains to be seen if we win this game — I honestly think that we will.

So who’s leading the charge for the Trail Blazers?

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Damian Lillardis the leading scorer (24.2 PPG) and assist man (7.3 APG).C.J. McCollumis the steals king (1.20 SPG).Mason Plumleeis 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 104.2 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 Joneswas involved in a car accident last Wednesday, and as a result, will not be available to play this week. He has been diagnosed with a concussion and has been ruled asDOUBTFUL.

Donatas Motiejunaswas recalled from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.His return is imminent and it should likely be after the All-Star Break at the earliest.

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.

There are no injuries to report for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com.

Next:Why Ty Lawson Hasn't Been A Great Fit

Three Things to Watch:

  1. Patrick Beverleyvs.Damian Lillard
  2. James Hardenvs.C.J. McCollum
  3. Dwight Howardvs.Mason Plumlee

Prediction:

104-99in aRockets’win!

The Rockets continue their road trip to take on theTrail BlazersatModa Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for9:30 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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