The Houston Rockets skated on some thin ice this past Saturday but was able to get off the rink before the cracks came.
TheHouston Rocketsskated on some thin ice this past Saturday but was able to get off the rink before the cracks came.
Yes, our team had let the Knicks get ahead to a double-digit lead — 11 points — before they got to work and took over for good.
It does take awhile sometimes for their shooting to get going but it goes to show how resilient this team can be even if the deck is stacked against them.
Once again,James Hardencontinued to convince why he’s the league’s most valuable player by eking out an outstanding triple-double — putting up a career-high 53 points along with 16 rebounds and 17 assists.
Wow — the Harden show just reached a new summit and there’s more in store for all of us to witness.
Nonetheless, the Rockets will take on the 16-16 Washington Wizards as they’ve reached the mid-point of their six-day, four-game home stand.
I’d expect the Rockets to get the best of them tonight but it depends on how quickly they get their stroke going.
This, at the very least, is a watchable match up considering the talent that’s still on deck to take center stage.
So who’s leading the charge for the Wizards?
John Wallleads the team in scoring (23.6 PPG), dimes (10.0 APG) and steals (2.3 SPG).Marcin Gortatis the top board-getter (11.8 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.0 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Wizards do well.
They’re decent with their offense.The Wizards are12thin offensive efficiency,averaging 105.9 points per 100 possessions.
They’re good at moving the ball around.The Wizards are10thin assist ratio with17 percent of their possessions ending with an assist.
They’re solid shooters.The Wizards are tied for10th— with the Boston Celtics — ineffective field goal percentage (51.6)and they’re also11thintrue shooting percentage (55.3).
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.
Patrick Beverleyhas been dealing with some pain in his wristthat sidelined him this past Saturday against the New York Knicks. He has been deemed asQUESTIONABLEfor tonight’s game. As usual, expectCorey Brewerto step in the starting lineup if Bev can’t go.
Bradley Bealis dealing with ankle injury and has missed some timeas a result. I’d likely deem his status as QUESTIONABLE for tonight but his official status is day-to-day. I’d expectSheldon McClellanto step into the lineup if Beal is not ready to play.
Source(s): Houston Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and the Washington Wizards
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverley? vs.John Wall
- Trevor Arizavs.Otto Porter
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrellvs.Marcin Gortat
- Ryan Andersonvs.Markieff Morris
Prediction:
118-102in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on theWizardsatToyota 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 216 (Internet 890)andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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