Houston Rockets Vs. New York Knicks: Game 35: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets clobbered the Chris Paul and Blake Griffin-less Los Angeles Clippers last night!
The Houston Rockets clobbered the Chris Paul and Blake 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 Anthony leads in scoring (22.4 PPG) while Joakim Noah is the top board-getter (8.3 RPG). Brandon Jennings is in charge of the dimes (5.3 APG) and steals (1.0 SPG). Kristaps Porzingis is 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 are 6th in offensive rebound rate (26.5).
They somewhat like to have the ball in their hands. The Knicks are 12th as far as PACE Factor, averaging 99.7 possessions per game.
Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?
Injuries:
Clint Capela collided into Karl-Anthony Towns Dec. 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. 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.
As for the Knicks, Courtney Lee has been dealing with a wrist injury that 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 likely QUESTIONABLE tonight with the slight chance he might play. Expect Justin Holiday to step in if Lee can’t go — Sasha Vujacic started last night but he wasn’t as productive.
Source(s): Houston Rockets and Al Iannazzone of Newsday
Matchups to Watch:
- Trevor Ariza vs. Carmelo Anthony
- Patrick Beverley vs. Derrick Rose
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrell vs. Joakim Noah
- James Harden vs. Courtney Lee?
- Ryan Anderson vs. Kristaps Porzingis
Prediction:
120-107 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on the Knicks at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 213 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!