It’s SHOWTIME Houston Rockets’ fans. Yes, I know that our beloved team is in Los Angeles but we’re far removed from the days of the “Showtime” Lakers as well as seeingKobe Bryantas a fixture of our opponent tonight.
It’s SHOWTIMEHouston Rockets‘ fans. Yes, I know that our beloved team is in Los Angeles but we’re far removed from the days of the “Showtime” Lakers as well as seeing Kobe Bryant as a fixture of our opponent tonight.
A new era begins tonight for both teams — the Houston Rockets will start to beginning life withoutDwight Howardand withJames Hardenat the controls of this team with new coachMike D’Antoniin tow.
The Lakers have already bid farewell to Bryant, one of the most talented players to transcend the game of basketball and the show must go on without him.
Our opponent has sentByron Scottfor the showers and has proudly ushered inLuke Waltonas their head coach.
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The Houston Rockets should not have a difficult time to handle these guys tonight as they’re still a young team that may eventually find their stride but not against us.
Nonetheless, the Houston Rockets have to play this game tonight in front of national television on ESPN — the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
Until FOX Sports catches up with them but that’s neither here or there.
But all-in-all, this isD’Angelo Russell‘s team and despite the trust issues that have arisen from the whole debacle of letting a certain video clip slip out aboutNick Young‘s infidelities, he is the leader of this team for now.
And he is definitely embracing that role with pride.
We’ll have to see how all of that pans out tonight against the Houston Rockets immensely-charged offense.
So who’s leading the charge for the Lakers?
D’Angelo Russellled the Lakers in scoring (17.8 PPG), assists (5.4 APG), steals (1.6 SPG) and minutes per game (29.6) in the preseason. He will be the engine that will make the Lakers go and there’s absolutely no argument to refute that.
Julius Randle,Tarik Blackand the newly-acquiredTimofey Mozgovwill handle the glass-wiping duties. Each averaged7.5, 4.4 and 4.3 RPGrespectively in the preseason.
I suspect thatBrandon Ingramand Mozgov will the be the primary ballplayers at the center position this season. Ingram did lead the team in blocks (1.0 BPG).
But that’s not saying much.
Let’s talk about what the Lakers do well.
They’ll be PACE leaders.The Lakers averaged98.0possessions per game last season which was good for16th,the middle of the pack. I suspect that the number will increase as this team has gotten younger and will be running a lot more with all of those fresh legs on deck. When they face teams like the Houston Rockets, their possession numbers will skyrocket and I see them sustaining this trend for the entire season.
They’ll take care of the basketball.The Lakers were10thin turnover ratio last season and with a lot of the same players on the roster, there’s no reason to believe that will change. A minute12.4percent of their possessions ended in a turnover back in 2015-16.
Next: NBA Scout Rips Rockets 'Atrocious' Team Strategy
Injuries:
Patrick Beverleyhad successful surgery yesterday— it was a minor knee scope to clean up some the damage that had occurred from his injury. He will beOUTtonight and is expected to be MIA for at least three weeks.
Montrezl Harrell‘saunt passed away recentlyand has been away from the team as a result. His availability for tonight remains up in the air as it remains unclear if he made the team trip to Los Angeles. My best guess is that we’ll see him for the home opener Sunday night and he’ll skip this trip.
Jose Calderonstrained his calf nearly two weeks agoand is still reeling from that injury. The Lakers have decided to hold him out until he’s fully-healed. He will beOUTtonight.
Three Things to Watch:
- James Hardenvs. D’Angelo Russell
- Eric Gordonvs.Jordan Clarkson
- Trevor Arizavs.Luol Deng
- (Bonus)Clint Capela/Nene Hilariovs.Timofey Mozgov
Prediction:
115-102in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets hit the road to take on theLakersatStaples Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for9:30 p.m. CDT.
The game will be televised onESPNand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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