Houston Rockets @ New York Knicks: Game 5: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets came, saw and conquered. They undertook perhaps their toughest test of the season and despite what many may feel about this team, I think we’re trending in the correct direction.
The Houston Rockets came, saw and conquered. They undertook perhaps their toughest test of the season and despite what many may feel about this team, I think we’re trending in the correct direction.
Why?
This team has fight and it has heart — two integral components of any cohesiveness of team looking to get a chip.
This team could’ve rolled over and let the world champs embarrass us but they didn’t.
They fought with each possession, each ball tip and with every bounce of the basketball.
If this were the 2015-16 season, we’d all be shaking our heads figuring out what the hell happened.
But now that game is old news and it’s time for the Houston Rockets to focus on their next opponent, the New York Knicks.
The Knicks have actually improved from just plain bad to surprisingly mediocre.
The Rockets won’t near have the test they had last night against the Cavs but they just need to continue their tenacious play in order to keep those wins rolling in.
So who’s leading the charge for the Knicks?
Carmelo Anthony is the current leader in scoring (19.5 PPG), Joakim Noah in rebounds (8.0 RPG) and assists (5.0 APG), Derrick Rose in steals (1.0 SPG) and Kristaps Porzingis in blocks (1.5 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Knicks do well.
There’s not a whole lot that this team does well at this time as they’re wildly mediocre which is a peg up from last season.
They’re in the middle of the pack in most categories that count.
But here’s one thing they’re good at:
They love to have the basketball in their hands. The Knicks are 10th in the league as far as PACE, averaging 101.4 possessions per game.
Next: It's Time To Unleash K.J. McDaniels
Injuries:
Patrick Beverley had successful surgery last Tuesday — it was a minor knee scope to clean up some the damage that had occurred from his injury. He will be OUT tonight and is targeting to return back the hardwood between Nov. 15 and Nov. 21.
Trevor Ariza exited last night’s game and emerged with five stitches under his right eye. He finished with 11 points and considering his damn near impeccable attendance record, he’ll be in uniform tomorrow night.
Justin Holiday exited last night’s game against the Detroit Pistons after sustaining a cut to his right cheek. His x-rays came out negative and was cleared to return back to the game. His official status is day-to-day.
Ron Baker is battling a sprained right ankle that has caused him to miss a few games, his status is also day-to-day.
Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and David McMenamin of ESPN
Four Things to Watch:
- James Harden vs. Derrick Rose
- Eric Gordon vs. Courtney Lee/Justin Holiday
- Trevor Ariza vs. Carmelo Anthony
- Clint Capela vs. Joakim Noah
Prediction:
107-94 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets continue their five-game road trip making their second stop with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CDT.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890 and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!