Houston Rockets Vs. Atlanta Hawks: Game 53: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets will play host to Dwight Howard‘s return tonight.
The Houston Rockets will play host to Dwight Howard‘s return tonight.
This is what us fans have all been waiting for, for our chance to see him with his new team and likely “boo” him because of his decision to not be a part of the Mike D’Antoni plan and bolt.
But things are still good for the Rockets, despite losing seven of their 12 games and they still hold tops among leadership in the Western Conference.
There’s no doubt they’ll be ready to take on the 28-21 Atlanta Hawks, who have been hovering over .500 but are getting healthy to surge seven game over that said mark.
By the way, Shane Battier will be latest impact player honored tonight highlighting the franchise’s 50th Anniversary.
What’s up next?
So who’s leading the charge for the Hawks?
Paul Millsap leads the team in scoring (17.9 PPG), Dwight Howard is the top board-getter (12.8 RPG) and top shot-blocker (1.2 BPG). Dennis Schroder is the top assist man (6.3 APG). Thabo Sefolosha holds the torch in steals (1.7 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Hawks do well.
They’re defensive juggernauts. The Hawks are ranked 5th in defensive efficiency, allowing just 103.2 points per 100 possessions.
They keep that basketball moving. The Hawks are tied for 6th — with the Charlotte Hornets in assist ratio, with 17.8 percent of their possessions ending in an assist.
They use a considerable amount of possessions. The Hawks are 11th in PACE Factor, averaging 99.7 possessions per game.
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Injuries:
James Harden bumped his knee in traffic early in Tuesday’s tilt with the Kings. Although there was some concern, he finished with 31 minutes in the Rockets 105-83 obliteration of their opponent. He should be PROBABLE for tonight.
As for the Hawks, Thabo Sefolosha has been dealing with a groin injury all week and missed yesterday’s game as a result. I’d likely deem him as DOUBTFUL for tonight.
Tiago Splitter suffered a hamstring injury a while back and will likely be out until the middle of this month at the earliest.
Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and CBS Sports
Matchups to Watch:
Prediction:
110-105 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home for awhile to take on the Hawks at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on TNT and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!