The Houston Rockets mosey along through their home stand to take on a 7-12 Brooklyn Nets team that’s struggling to find some offense. Here are five things to watch ahead of tonight’s match up.
The 15-4 Houston Rockets will take on the lowly, 7-12 Brooklyn Nets who once again, after picking up some promising young talent, will likely finish the season at the bottom of the barrel. It started withJeremy Lin‘s injury, thenD’Angelo Russell, nowRondae Hollis-JeffersonandAllen Crabbe.
The injury bug is no stranger to this team as I think we’re going to win this game by default because of all of their talented scorers are dealing with some type of injury and the latter may not be available tonight.
This, of course, is far from marquee match up but one of an exhibition to see if any records are broken and the opportunity for some of the young guys to get some significant playing time when the Houston Rockets will likely have the game in the bag early.
1.) So who’s leading the charge for the Nets?
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is the team’s top scorer (14.3 PPG),Trevor Bookeron the boards (6.9 RPG),Spencer Dinwiddiewith the dimes (6.1 APG),Caris LeVertin steals (1.3 SPG) and theJarrett Allen(0.8 BPG).
2.) Let’s talk about what the Nets do well.
They’re committed to making few mistakes as a team.The Nets are 5th in turnover ratio — tied with the Memphis Grizzlies — with 13.3 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
They’re all about ensuring that the basketball stays in their hands.The Nets are 1st in PACE — tied with the Phoenix Suns — averaging 105.7 possessions per game.
3.) Injuries:
Nene Hilariois suffering from a strained shoulderand has been ruled OUT for tonight.
D’Angelo Russellinjured his left knee a few weeks back and has since had arthroscopic surgeryto repair it. The Nets are being quite mum on a possible return and have not set an exact timetable, meaning that he’ll be out awhile.
Allen Crabbesustained a back injury and was held out of last night’s gameagainst the Memphis Grizzlies. His status for tonight remains uncertain and I’d likely deem him as QUESTIONABLE.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson sprained his right ankle against the Grizzlies last night and did not return to the game. He too will have a status that’s up in the air and I’d likely deem as DOUBTFUL.
Source(s): Mark Berman of FOX26 (KRIV), Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Jack Maloney of CBS Sports and the Brooklyn Nets
4.) Matchups to Watch:
- Trevor Arizavs.DeMarre Carroll
- Clint Capelavs.Timofey Mozgov
- Chris Paulvs.Spencer Dinwiddie
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5.) Prediction:
115-90in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets are at home to take on theNetsatToyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onAT&T SportsNet Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM, Sirius 217, XM/SiriusXM 215 (Internet 890)andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets.
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