The Houston Rockets continue to display their resiliency night in and out.
TheHouston Rocketscontinue to display their resiliency night in and out.
The Rockets were as much as 15 points down on the Washington Wizards Monday and they found a way to get back into the game and win it.
It’s truly incredible to see and is a testament of how great the chemistry is among the members of this basketball team.
Now this may not always work with teams like the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs but this can be expected with the run of the litter of the NBA.
It was truly inspiring to witness and I hope to see more of it down the line.
But any way, the Rockets will take on the 21-15 Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in prime-time on TNT!
I’d expect a hell of a match up tonight asPatrick Beverleyis expected to play and you know how the tension is between he andRussell Westbrook.
It will also be a duel of sorts betweenJames Hardenand Westbrook as both make their case as to why they should be the league’s most valuable player.
It’s going to be a exciting one so hold on to your hats folks!
So who’s leading the charge for the Thunder?
Russell Westbrookleads the team in scoring (30.9 PPG), boards (10.5 RPG), dimes (10.5 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG). Yes, the man is averaging a triple-double and that’s purely insane!Jerami Grantis the top shot-blocker (1.0 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Thunder do well.
They’re solid defenders.The Thunder are9thin defensive efficiency,allowing just 103.9 points per 100 possessions.
They’re an excellent rebounding team.The Thunder are tied for2ndin league — with the Chicago Bulls — inrebound rate,taking down52.6 percentof missed shots.
They love to have the basketball in their hands.The Thunder are7thinPACE Factor,averaging 100.1 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.
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. However,Mike D’Antonihas signaled that he expects him to playtomorrow.
There are no major injuries to report for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Source(s): Houston Rockets & Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Russell Westbrook
- James Hardenvs.Victor Oladipo
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrellvs.Steven Adams
- Ryan Andersonvs.Domantas Sabonis
Prediction:
112-107in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on theThunderatToyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onTNTand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890)andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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