Houston Rockets Vs. Miami Heat: Game 57: Sneak Peek Analysis

Feb 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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After some well-deserved rest, the Houston Rockets are back at it again.

After some well-deserved rest, the Houston Rockets are back at it again.

The Rockets had seemed to hit a bump in the road with all of the games they played in that tough stretch but things are starting to wind down as they’re getting rest in bunches.

They’ll be facing a somewhat dangerous 24-32 Miami Heat team that had won 13 games in row as a of late.

So what’s next?

So who’s leading the charge for the Heat?

Goran Dragic leads the team in scoring (20.3 PPG) and assists (6.3 APG).  Hassan Whiteside is the top board-getter (14.1 RPG) and shot-blocker (2.0 BPG).  Tyler Johnson holds the torch in steals (1.2 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Heat do well.

They’re still a very good defensive team.  The Heat are 6th in the NBA in defensive efficiency allowing just 104.1 points per 100 possessions.

Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?

Injuries:

Eric Gordon has been battling a back injury and has missed a couple of games as a result.  He did return to practice yesterday and is hopeful to return tonight.  Otherwise, he’ll likely be back after the All-Star break when the Rockets take on the New Orleans Pelicans Feb. 23.  I’d likely deem him as QUESTIONABLE for tonight.

As for the Heat, Josh Richardson injured his ankle and is slated to return after the All-Star break.

Josh McRoberts injured his foot last month and is expected to return early March.

Justise Winslow severely injured his shoulder and is expected to be out for the season.  He is, however, scheduled to start rehabbing after the All-Star break.

Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Anthony Chiang of the Palm Beach Post and CBS Sports

Matchups to Watch:

  1. Clint Capela vs. Hassan Whiteside
  2. Patrick Beverley vs. Goran Dragic
  3. James Harden vs. Dion Waiters

Prediction:

112-103 in a Houston Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are back at home for awhile to take on the Heat 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 218, XM/SiriusXM 211 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!