The Houston Rockets are rolling right along through this road trip with them luckily being able to beat the Philadelphia 76ers quite well.
I had worried about this match up because, as you may recall, the Rockets took their meeting down to the wire but they were able to defeat them earlier this season, thanks to some heroics byDwight Howard.
At least they’re taking care of business against the run of litter in the NBA, which is all that I can ask.
But as we fast-forward to tonight, it won’t be easy as the Rockets will face the 39-26 Boston Celtics.
This team has transformed into the image of the brainchild of Brad Stevens and all members of this team are bona-fide believers.
They hustle, they play defense and are smart about finding the open man.
These are a lot of the things that I’ve chided the Rockets for this season.
If the Rox aren’t doing those things tonight, you might as well add another tally to the right column because the Celtics love to feast on weaknesses like this team has.
Nonetheless, it will hopefully be a good meeting tonight and I’m sure they won’t disappoint.
So who’s leading the charge for the Celtics?
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Isaiah Thomasis the leading scorer (21.8 PPG) and assist man (6.6 APG).Jared Sullingeris the team’s top board-getter (8.7 RPG) andJae Crowderis the steals king (1.80 SPG).Amir Johnsonis the premier shot-blocker (1.00 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Celtics do well.
They’re balanced on both ends of the floor.The Celtics are ranked 4th in the NBA as far as defensive efficiency, allowing 100.1 points per 100 possessions. They’re also 10th in the league in terms of offensive efficiency, putting up 104 points per 100 possessions.
They’re good at finding the open man.The Celtics are tied for 5th — with the Sacramento Kings — in the NBA in terms of assist ratio, with 17.8 percent of their possessions ending with an assist.
They take care of the basketball.The Celtics are ranked 6th in turnover ration with a stingy 12.2 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
Injuries:
There are no injuries to report for the Houston Rockets.
Kelly Olynykhas been dealing with a shoulder injuryfor quite a spell and has missed time as a result. He has been ruled asQUESTIONABLEfor tonight.
Source: Boston Celtics
Three Things to Watch:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Isaiah Thomas
- Dwight Howardvs.Jared Sullinger
- James Hardenvs.Avery Bradley
- (Bonus)Trevor Arizavs.Jae Crowder
Prediction:
107-102in aRockets’loss.
The Rockets continue their five-game road trip to take on theCelticsatTD Garden.
Tip-off is scheduled for6:30 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME)andLa Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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