The Houston Rockets clobbered theChris PaulandBlake Griffin-less Los Angeles Clippers last night!
The Houston Rockets clobbered theChris PaulandBlake Griffin-less Los Angeles Clippers last night!
To predict that they’d put up 140 points on one the better defensive teams in the NBA would’ve been outlandish to say the least.
But the Rockets did that thing and they’re going from the toast to the talk of the town after a embarrassing 2015-16 campaign.
They just make it look so easy and they were able to put up that many points despite being lukewarm — 35 percent — from behind-the-arc.
What the Rockets are doing is groundbreaking and I just hope they continue their torrid but deliberate pace toward the finish line.
I’m just going to sit back, relax and enjoy this sort of renaissance the Rockets are experiencing.
It’s quite refreshing if you ask me.
The Rockets will look to close out the year right against the 16-16 New York Knicks as they look to see their 26th win of the season.
So who’s leading the charge for the Knicks?
Carmelo Anthonyleads in scoring (22.4 PPG) whileJoakim Noahis the top board-getter (8.3 RPG).Brandon Jenningsis in charge of the dimes (5.3 APG) and steals (1.0 SPG).Kristaps Porzingisis the premier shot-blocker (1.9 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Knicks do well.
As usual, the Knicks are a wildly underachieving team that screams mediocrity for 2016-17. Their marketing slogan for this season should be:“Why should we try? We’ve already got it good!”
I’d like to see what that T-shirt looks like.
But they may mess around and actually make the playoffs this year, which would be quite an accomplishment considering all the bad that has transpired over the last decade.
It was tough to find but here’s some things that they do moderately well!
Enjoy:
They’re good at getting a second-chance.The Knicks are6thinoffensive rebound rate (26.5).
They somewhat like to have the ball in their hands.The Knicks are12thas far asPACE Factor, averaging 99.7 possessions per game.
Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?
Injuries:
Clint Capelacollided intoKarl-Anthony TownsDec. 17th 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 minor fracture of his fibula and is expected to be out at least four weeks.Nenewill 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.
As for the Knicks,Courtney Leehas been dealing with a wrist injurythat has caused him to be sidelined a few games as a result. He did not suit up last night against the New Orleans Pelicans but has made the trip.
I’d deem him as likelyQUESTIONABLEtonight with the slight chance he might play. ExpectJustin Holidayto step in if Lee can’t go —Sasha Vujacicstarted last night but he wasn’t as productive.
Source(s): Houston Rockets and Al Iannazzone of Newsday
Matchups to Watch:
- Trevor Arizavs.Carmelo Anthony
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Derrick Rose
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrellvs.Joakim Noah
- James Hardenvs.Courtney Lee?
- Ryan Andersonvs.Kristaps Porzingis
Prediction:
120-107in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on theKnicksatToyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 213 (Internet 890)andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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