Houston Rockets Vs. San Antonio Spurs: Game 29: Sneak Peek Analysis
At 10 games in a row, the Houston Rockets are still streaking their way through the Association!
At 10 games in a row, the Houston Rockets are still streaking their way through the Association!
Their streak was seriously in jeopardy against the Minnesota Timberwolves this past Saturday but the team banded together and was able to eke out a nice win in overtime, keeping that streak alive.
We all understand that the games don’t always have to look pretty but a win is the main to get.
But a large majority of our games have been quality wins where we’ve had one outstanding offensive performance after another followed with solid defense when needed.
Let’s hope that the Rockets can continue to fulfill that momentum without Clint Capela as he heals from a fibula injury — more details below — as they will be on road for a short while this week.
The hottest team in the NBA will be facing the 22-5 San Antonio Spurs tonight and it won’t be easy.
They’ve beat them before but they just have to continue to shoot the ball well and don’t let the Spurs defensive tactics — *cough* *cough* FLOPPING — get the best of them.
But this should be a quality match up that the Rockets will certainly step up to partake.
So who’s leading the charge for the Spurs?
Kawhi Leonard leads the team in scoring (24.0 PPG) and in steals (1.9 SPG). Pau Gasol is the top board-getter (7.8 RPG) while Tony Parker is in charge of the dimes (4.6 APG). Dewayne Dedmon is the team’s top shot-blocker (1.1 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Spurs do well.
They’re still offensively and defensively sound. The Spurs are ranked 3rd in the NBA as far as defensive efficiency, allowing a paltry 101.5 points per 100 possessions. They’re also 6th in offensive efficiency, averaging 108.6 points per 100 possessions.
They’re great at moving the ball around. The Spurs are 3rd in assist ratio with 18.5 percent of their possessions ending with an assist.
They’re good shooters as a team. The Spurs are 7th in NBA in regard to effective field goal percentage (52.4) as well as true shooting percentage (56.8).
They’re a solid rebounding team. The Spurs are 10th in rebound rate, taking down a whopping 50.8 percent of missed shots.
Next: Eric Gordon's Campaign For 6th Man
Injuries:
Clint Capela collided into Karl-Anthony Towns in Saturday’s action against the T-Wolves. He seemed to be in tremendous pain and could not walk on his own power to locker room.
It’s apparent that he has a fractured fibula and is expected to be out at least six weeks. Nene will have some big shoes to fill as Capela heals but the Rockets can press on without him.
It would be nice for the Rockets to make a deal for his replacement but I think the depth of our bench could fill his void.
There are no injuries to report for the San Antonio Spurs.
Source(s): Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (KRIV)
Matchups to Watch:
- Trevor Ariza vs. Kawhi Leonard
- Patrick Beverley vs. Tony Parker
- James Harden vs. Danny Green
- Nene vs. Pau Gasol
- Ryan Anderson vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
Prediction:
111-106 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on the Spurs at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest/NBA TV and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM & SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!