Game 79: Houston Rockets Vs. Phoenix Suns Preview
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 Booker is the leading scorer (13.7 PPG) and assist man (2.6 APG). P.J. Tucker is the steals king (1.27 SPG). Tyson Chandler is the top board-getter (8.8 RPG) and Alex Len is 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‘s back issues have crept back up again and 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 Harrell continues to exceed expectations, outplaying his 2nd-round status as I expected.
Brandon Knight is still reeling from his groin injury and has been shut down for the season as a result.
Jon Leuer has 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 Harden Has Been Promoted To Chief Recruiter
Three Things to Watch:
- James Harden vs. Devin Booker
- Dwight Howard vs. Tyson Chandler
- How many minutes will the bench get tonight?
Prediction:
110-99 in a Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on the Suns at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 81 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!