The Houston Rockets playoff hopes have diminished a bit with the 88-86 loss to the Dallas Mavericks last night.
However, they’re still not out for the count but they must win their remaining four games in order to have a chance.
Not only that but they need the Mavs and the Utah Jazz to lose so that they’d be able to jump them.
It’s still mathematically possible but I just don’t think the Rockets have it in them this year to do so.
Besides, who wants to get annihilated by either the Golden State Warriors or the San Antonio Spurs?
But, you never know, this team may explode into its own and compete if they do qualify so we’ll have to see.
I certainly hope so — that way they can at least make something of this mostly forgettable season.
The Rockets will take on the 20-58 Phoenix Suns — a team definitely waiting for the end — and hopefully they’ll be able to take them down with moderate effort.
But I won’t hold my breath.
So who’s leading the charge for the Suns?
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Devin Bookeris the leading scorer (13.7 PPG) and assist man (2.6 APG).P.J. Tuckeris the steals king (1.27 SPG).Tyson Chandleris the top board-getter (8.8 RPG) andAlex Lenis the top shot-blocker (0.80 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Suns do well.
They don’t too much all that well with the immense amount of injuries they’re suffering from but here’s a few tidbits:
They thrive to have the ball in their hands.The Suns are ranked 4th in the NBA as far as PACE, averaging 100.6 possessions per game.
They’re decent at rebounding the basketball.The Suns are ranked 11th in rebound rate, taking down 50.2 percent of missed shots.
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Injuries:
Sam Dekker‘sback issues have crept back up againand is scheduled to meet with his doctor sometime this week. This is unfortunate news for this year’s first-round pick but he wasn’t in the rotation so it won’t affect the team all that much. But his presence would’ve been helpful as I’d like to see what he has, it may be quite a bit. Meanwhile,Montrezl Harrellcontinues to exceed expectations, outplaying his 2nd-round status as I expected.
Brandon Knightis still reeling from his groin injuryand has been shut down for the season as a result.
Jon Leuerhas missed three straight games with an ankle injury and he’ll likely miss tonight as well as the season winds down. I expect his status to likely be DOUBTFUL.
Sources: Mark Berman of FOX26 (KRIV) and Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic
Next:James HardenHas Been Promoted To Chief Recruiter
Three Things to Watch:
- James Hardenvs.Devin Booker
- Dwight Howardvs.Tyson Chandler
- How many minutes will the bench get tonight?
Prediction:
110-99in aRockets’win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on theSunsatToyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 81 (Internet 890)andLa Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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