Rockets Look to Get Back on Track, Square Off Against Lakers
Absence of Stars. No Peeking. Harden Time.
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” One of the great quotes from The Usual Suspects, and one that makes me think of tonight’s Rockets, Lakers tussle. A tilt, which will feature a slight absence of stars. No LeBron James for the Lakers. No Russell Westbrook for the Rockets. Facts that could mean problems for Houston if the Rockets aren’t ready to play tonight. LeBron has the highest basketball IQ of any player. He knows Houston plays down to their competition. LeBron knows the Rockets don’t bring it when other teams’ starts sit-out. This might be for injury or resting purposes, but I know what you’re up to LeBron. You can’t trick me. And Houston will need to be ready for a Lakers team that still has the most dominant big man in the game, Anthony Davis, playing at a very high level.
This was supposed to be one of the most anticipated seeding matchups in the bubble. However, with no Bron, and no Russ, the eagerness to see this contest is dialed down a bit. Neither LeBron nor Westbrook have serious injuries. It’s the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers, who are resting LeBron, and Russ could play if this was a Game 7. The real story here is neither team wants the other to see their firepower at full strength. As of right now, the odds are the Rockets and Lakers will meet in the second round, if not the Conference Finals. And this will be the last time they face off before then, when both teams will assumably be at full-strength. Neither squad wants to give the other a peek into their playbook while fully healthy. The Rockets should win this matchup, but they need the face (or Beard) of the franchise to step-up.
After scoring 49 points in a stellar opening night in the bubble, James Harden has struggled offensively for Houston. The Rockets need him to get back on track tonight, as they won’t have Russ’ energy on the floor to push the squad when they start to lag. Historically, the Beard has played well against the Lakers, and without LeBron, L.A. has absolutely no one who can come close to guarding Harden. Expect the Beard to have a big night for the Rockets, who will need to slow down Anthony Davis on the defensive end. AD will be the focus of LA’s offense tonight, and his size poses a nightmare for Houston. Double, even triple-teams might be required on defense. Resulting in open shots for Laker shooters, who hopefully won’t be connecting tonight. Harden and co. can’t afford to continue their bubble trend of falling behind early by double-digits. The Lakers are 43-0 when leading after three quarters. Houston needs to shoot for the lead entering the final frame tonight. The Rockets need to come into this game with the focus that LeBron is playing. He might not be on the floor in action, but LeBron’s presence will still be with his teammates. Houston has to play hard, treat this game like both teams have full rosters… and avoid falling prone to LeBron’s greatest trick.
The Bubble: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Los Angeles Lakers (51-16): Yellow
Houston Rockets (42-25): Black
TV: 8 PM CT – TNT, AT&T Sportsnet SW