The Houston Rockets 2017-18 season has arrived with a revamped roster ready to do battle with the NBA’s best, starting with the Golden State Warriors tonight.
The Houston Rockets acquiredChris Paul,P.J. TuckerandLuc Mbah a Moutethrough trades/free agency and have re-signedNene Hilarioto a multi-year deal. With the loss ofPatrick Beverley,Montrezl Harrell,Sam DekkerandLou Williams, will this team be the same?
Other than on paper, along withJames Hardenthe rest of the supporting cast, this team will still be offensive powerhouse they were last season and I don’t think we’ll miss a bit with the addition and subtractions in the off season.
It’s good that we’re facing the Warriors now so that we can check to see if this team is formidable enough to compete with the champs. Because after all, that’s what this team was built to for — to beat that heavy thorn on their side.
We’ll see how this pans out — I would love to see a win tonight but I honestly just want to see some competitive basketball out there. With CP3 at the reins, there’s no doubt that’s going to happen.
So who’s leading the charge for the Warriors?
Stephen Curryled the team in scoring (25.3 PPG).Kevin Durantremained in front as far as rebounds (8.3 RPG) and is the top shot-blocker (1.6 BPG).Draymond Greenholds the torch in assists (7.0 APG) and steals (2.0 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Warriors do well.
They continue to have a well-balanced attack.In 2016-17, the Warriors were2ndindefensive efficiency, allowing just101.1 points per 100 possessions. They’re also were ranked 1st in offensive efficiency, scoring 113.2 points per 100 possessions.
They’re still going to be the best shooting team in the NBA.The Warriors were ranked1st in effective field goal percentage (56.3) and 1st in true shooting percentage (59.7).
They’re likely to still be the best at ball movement for the score.The Warriors were ranked1st in assist ratio,with21.4 percent of their possessionsending with an assist.
Next: Projecting the Rockets starting roster for 2017-18
Injuries:
Andre Iguodalastrained his back against the Sacramento Kings this past Fridaybut did participate in practice yesterday. He remainsQUESTIONABLEfor tonight and I’d likely see him out there.
Source(s): Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury-News
Matchups to Watch:
- Chris Paul vs.Stephen Curry
- Clint Capelavs.Zaza Pachulia
- James Hardenvs.Klay Thompson
- Trevor Arizavs.Draymond Green
Prediction:
115-108in aHouston Rockets’loss.
The Rockets are on the road to take on theWarriorsatOracle Arena.
Tip-off is scheduled for9:30 p.m. CDT.
The game will be televised onTNTand 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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