The Houston Rockets had perhaps one of their ugliest performances Friday night but still won their game.
TheHouston Rocketshad perhaps one of their ugliest performances Friday night but still won their game.
Brick-after-brick, missed shot after missed shot, this team struggled to keep pace with the Orlando Magic as they looked like they wanted to win the basketball game.
But as resilient as this team is, they banded together and took care of that main objective and won their 7th game in a row to boot.
The Rockets will take on the 24-12 Toronto Raptors tonight, a team that’s just as dangerous as we are offensively and are good at not turning over the basketball.
They also have a plethora of shooters on board so the Rockets have their work cut out for them tonight.
So who’s leading the charge for the Raptors?
DeMar DeRozanleads the team in scoring (27.6 PPG),Jonas Valanciunasis the top board-getter (9.5 RPG) andKyle Lowryis in charge of the dimes (7.2 APG) and steals (1.5 SPG).Lucas Nogueirais the top shot-blocker (1.8 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Raptors do well.
They’re highly offensive-minded.The Raptors are2ndin offensive efficiency,averaging 113 points per 100 possessions.
They limit their turnovers immensely.The Raptors are tied for1st— with the Charlotte Hornets — in turnover ratio, with ameasly 10.9 percentof their possessions ending in a turnover.
They’re great shooters too.The Raptors are tied for4th— along with the Cleveland Cavaliers — intrue shooting percentage (56.9)and8thineffective field goal percentage (52.2).
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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 returned to action last night against the Oklahoma City Thunder and chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
This included him snagging four of those rebounds in the last 90 minutes of the game. He was still in a lot of pain after the game and he’ll likely continue to play through it. I’d definitely keep an eye on the progression of his healing.
For the Raptors,Patrick Pattersoninjured his left knee back in late Decemberand has missed some time as a result. His official status is day-to-day and wasn’t in the lineup last night against the Chicago Bulls. I’d expect the same for tonight as well.
Jared Sullingerhurt his foot in the Raptors’ preseason opener and has been outsince. He had foot surgery shortly thereafter; and, as of now, he is participating in four-on-four drills in practice. Of course, he won’t be available tonight but this is just an update on what was expected to be a key component of their roster.
Source(s): Houston Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Josh Lewenburg of TSN and the Toronto Raptors
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Kyle Lowry
- James Hardenvs.DeMar DeRozan
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrellvs.Jonas Valanciunas
- Trevor Arizavs.DeMarre Carroll
- Ryan Andersonvs.Pascal Siakam
Prediction:
116-112in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets have hit the road to take on theRaptorsatAir Canada Centre.
Tip-off is scheduled for5 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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