Houston Rockets @ Detroit Pistons: Game 14: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets are in control of their destiny and so far they’ve done fine so far with an 8-5 record to boot.
The Houston Rockets are in control of their destiny and so far they’ve done fine so far with an 8-5 record to boot.
This team is beating the teams that they’re supposed defeat and their high-powered offense is taking down opponents left and right.
This team impressively took down their last two match ups — the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz.
Let’s hope it continues.
But as the Rockets head back out on the road for a bit, they’ll start out with the 6-8 Detroit Pistons who are without an injured-Reggie Jackson.
Their offense has suffered — they’re 25th in offensive efficiency, averaging 99.5 points per 100 possessions.
I suspect that the wins and the offense will pick up once he immerses himself back in the lineup.
We’ll have to see but the Rockets should have a quality win to add to the column tonight.
So who’s leading the charge for the Pistons?
Tobias Harris leads the team in scoring (16.7 PPG), Andre Drummond is the top board-getter (13.8 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.1 BPG). Former Rocket Ish Smith is in charge of the dimes (6.5 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Pistons do well.
They’re defensively sound. The Pistons are 7th in the NBA — tied with the Dallas Mavericks — in defensive efficiency, allowing 101.3 points per 100 possessions.
They take care of the basketball. The Pistons are 3rd in the league as far as turnover ration with 10.7 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
Next: James Harden: New Position, Attitude, A Breath Of Fresh Air
Injuries:
Patrick Beverley had successful surgery Oct. 25 — it was a minor knee scope to clean up some the damage that had occurred from his injury. Bev was back in the lineup Thursday and posted 11 points, three blocks and three assists in 25 minutes of action. He was 5-for-8 from the field and 1-for-2 from behind-the-arc. It’s expected from him to be on minutes-restriction up to 25 per for time being as he knocks the rust and tests the knee. He will continue to start as he had been in the past.
Montrezl Harrell injured his left calf against the Portland Trail Blazers last week and has been sidelined since. His status for tonight remains uncertain and I’d deem as QUESTIONABLE. Those type of maladies take time to heal.
Reggie Jackson has been dealing with left knee tendinitis, apparently an issue he’s had since college. The top-man for all things Pistons has yet to play a game this season after receiving plasma injection therapy for his treatments. He has started to participate in non-contact activities so his return may be on horizon. It just won’t be tonight. Thank goodness.
Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and Aaron McMann of Michigan Live
Three Things to Watch:
- James Harden vs. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Eric Gordon vs. Ish Smith
- Clint Capela vs. Andre Drummond
Prediction:
106-95 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets hit the road to take on the Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST.
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!