Month: November 2019

Houston Blazes Home to Meet Portland, Before the Going Gets Tough

UT2: Now Playing.    Rebounding Reinforcements.    Calm Before the Storm.

The Unguardable Tour 2: Revenge for the Ring is officially under way. James Harden’s nationwide show and the Rockets return to Toyota Center on Monday night. Player of the Week honors were bestowed upon the Beard once again, as Houston rocketed up the standings with a 4-0 record last week.  Harden averaged an absurd 44.8 points a game last week, including 16 PPG in the fourth quarter. Houston, riding a 7-game winning streak, is ready to host the struggling Blazers. A season after making the Western Conference Finals, Portland has been one of the NBA’s most disappoint teams this year. The Blazers have a record of 5-8 on the season, and have lost 7 of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Rockets are red-hot, winners of 7 straight, boasting a 10-3 record. These clubs appear to be headed towards opposite ends of the spectrum. Houston, a club with the image of a serious title contender, is hungry and off to a hot start to the season. On the other end, Portland just doesn’t look right. Which is strange for a team that’s been in the playoff hunt for at least the past 5 years. The Blazers need to fix whatever the problem is in Portland, or they’re headed towards rebuilding mode faster than anyone expected. 

The Rockets get some reinforcements back tonight. After being severely undermanned in Minnesota, Russell Westbrook returns to action tonight, along with Clint Capela and Danuel House. All three of these starters will provide a huge boost for Harden and the Rockets. Although the squad showed just how deep they are with Ben McLemore, Chris Clemons, and Austin Rivers protecting the Beard’s Fort on the perimeter. Tyson Chandler and Isaiah Hartenstein had big games defensively, and on the glass in Capela’s absence. Houston will most noticeably be getting glass reinforcements with the return of Westbrook, House, and Capela. The three combine to average 25.4 boards a game this season. The Rockets have vastly improved on their rebounding this season, specifically on the defensive end. Although they were out- rebounded on Saturday against the Wolves, the return of these rebounding reinforcements should give Houston the advantage in the board battle against a Blazers team without their best big man, Jusuf Nurkic. Portland’s underaged big man suffered a gruesome leg injury in March, and there’s no timetable for his return. The Blazers certainly haven’t been the same squad without him, evidenced by last season’s playoff letdown and this year’s poor start. Nonetheless, Portland’s often been a tough out for the Rockets over the past few seasons. Damian Lillard seems to play his best ball against Houston. But, Dame Dollar is no James Edwards Harden. If Dame drops 40, he makes the ESPN headlines. If James Edwards does it, no one utters a word. Complete silence. Because it’s the norm. We expect Harden to score 40. The man does average 39.5 points per game, the league’s highest scoring average in 56 years. For most players, 40 points is a career-defining performance. For the Beard, it’s just another Classic Average Night at the office. So, someone will score 40. And that person will either be on the losing team, or in the headlines. Harden needs to score at least 50 to garner attention that’s out of his norm nowadays. The Beard and company should have an advantage over a Blazers team still finding its identity this year. They just can’t afford to overlook Portland as part of this game screams “trap game.”

After tonight, Houston heads to the Rocky Mountains as the schedule gets rockier. The Rockets need a win tonight in the friendly confines of home. Afterwards, they head to Denver to begins one of the toughest 4-game stretches of the season. The Nuggets await Houston in the mile-high city on Wednesday before the Rockets head to L.A. for a rematch with their arch-rival, and main nemesis, the Clippers. Two Western opponents that should be jostling with Houston in the standings all season. But, the Rockets can’t overlook these Blazers. As much as this game might seem like the calm before the storm, Portland’s not nearly as bad as their record shows. The Blazers have yet to lose a game by double-digits all season, with four losses coming by 4 points or less. They’ve also had a difficult schedule early to start the season. Portland’s started slow and finished strong the last few seasons. A trend that should continue this season. The Blazers have too much talent on their roster to waste away a season at the bottom of the West. If Houston is too comfortable with the bulk of their starters returning, and isn’t prepared for a Blazers team that always plays tough… the going will get tough for the Rockets at home. However, Harden’s in an atmosphere other players can’t reach. Don’t expect him to slow down any time soon… The Unguardable Tour 2 is only just beginning.

   

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Portland Trailblazers (5-8):  Red

Houston Rockets (10-3):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT – NBA TV, AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Shoot Down Wolves, 125-105, Win 7th Straight

The Others.    Showing Up.    Classic Average Nights.

They weren’t supposed to win this one. In the James Harden-era of Rockets Past, Houston never would have won this game. The third in four nights. On the road against a decent Minnesota team. Minus four of their best six players. But, this isn’t the past. Saturday night presented no letdown. Houston showed the depth they possess this year and rocked the Wolves, 125-105, for their 7th straight win. The Rockets fended off a gritty, young Minnesota team who could potentially sneak into the playoffs this season. A close contest was blown open by Houston in the fourth, with a 9-0 run to start the quarter. This year’s Rockets have heart and talent seemingly everywhere on the roster. Oh, and they still have that guy called “The Beard.” Harden did Beard-like stuff, scoring 49 points, with 6 dimes and 5 boards for good measure. He led the way for Houston, but the Rockets needed others to show up to get this victory, and “The Others” responded.

Ben McLemore had another stellar outing, with 20 points, including 4 long bombs. Benny-Mac has shown he deserves more playing time on Houston’s roster. McLemore has been on a roll since the Rockets were bit by the injury bug, getting the action needed to show he deserves a rotational spot on the roster. Chris Clemons and Isaiah Hartenstetin, two players who began the week in the G-League, had career games in Houston’s win. Chris Clemons provided a huge spark for the Rockets, scoring a career-high 19 points, including 5 high-archers from deep. When Harden got his first breather in the 2nd quarter, CC3 did the most damage, and kept Houston in the contest. Isaiah Hartenstein, the other Rocket called up from their G-League affiliate this week, had a huge game inside for Houston. The big man saw 30 minutes of action, the most in his professional career, and he made those minutes count. Hartenstein had a career-high 16 rebounds and was exceptional defensively, keeping Karl-Anthony Towns from having a huge night for the Wolves. Austin Rivers was also tremendous, chipping in with 19 points while holding usual Rocket-killer Jeff Teague to only 8 points.

It wasn’t a terrible shooting night for Harden, but he’s seen better nights. The Beard hoisted a career-high 41 shot attempts, not surprising given all the injuries. Harden ended up connecting on 16 shots, finishing with 49 points on the evening. Which shouldn’t come as much surprise if you’ve been watching Harden play this season. He’s scored 40 points in over half (7) of Houston’s games (13) this season. For most players, scoring 40 is a career-milestone. For Harden, it’s just another average night. At 39.5 PPG, the Beard is almost averaging 40 points a game. Don’t take this for granted. There’s a reason the gap is that large between Harden and the next guy, Giannis Antetokounmpo, at 30.1 ppg. Scoring 40 is no easy feat, but the Beard makes it appear he can sleepwalk his way to 40 points. And the next time he drops 40, which will probably be Houston’s next game, it’ll just be another classic average night for the Beard. But the next time anyone else in this league scores 40, its headline news. They’re not expected to score 40 points. James Edward Harden is expected to score 40 points. An expectation that for other players is a hopeful prediction. A man who’s “average” nights would be “classic” nights for anyone else. One of the greatest pure scorers the game’s ever seen. Harden was born to score the basketball. He makes a living cooking up 40-Burgers… and it’s become a nightly occasion this season, Harden’s Classic Average Nights. Houston heads back home for their next game on Monday against the disappointing Blazers. One the Rockets are supposed to win. And Houston doesn’t need Harden to have a career night… just an average night. All of them are classics.

Wolf Hunt:  Houston Shoots for 7 Straight Wins in Minnesota

Back-2-Backs.    In-Session.    Incoming Fight.

“Those parts of your life, whatever they might be, make you want that next minute more than the last. Make you fight for it” Liam Neeson says in The Grey, an overlooked film, released back in 2009, when Harden was still an overlooked player… who no one thought would become this kind of superstar. Houston heads to Minnesota for the second game of a back-to-back against the Timberwolves. Harden and the Rockets went 8-4 on the second night of back-to-backs last season, and are 1-0 so far this season. Houston is going to have to fight hard if they want a win tonight in frosty Minneapolis. The Rockets are without a large chunk of their roster. Russell Westbrook is out for rest. Clint Capela, Daniel House, and Eric Gordon all remain out with injuries. Minnesota also played last night. The Wolves have been one of the surprise teams to start the season, but got pummeled by the Wizards last night. Minnesota will be eagerly looking to bounce back. Lucky, for Houston, class is in-session.

James Harden has been taking, well, everyone to school. Even the “best” two-way player in the game, Kawhi Leonard, got outplayed by the Beard. Harden’s seemingly in the midst of another Unguardable Tour. The Rockets will need Hero Harden at his best, as the Wolves bring a lot to the table. Houston has yet to lose to a Western Conference team. Hopefully, the Rockets can push their winning streak to seven games. Ben McLemore, Tyson Chandler, Austin Rivers, and everyone on Houston’s roster playing tonight needs to step up.
This is one of those tough schedule games. It’s the third game in four nights for the Rockets. Expect to see tired legs. However, Houston does have players filling in who don’t play as many minutes on a regular basis. P.J. Tucker is an absolute beast in terms of playing every possession. Everyone else needs to bring more to the table. This game won’t be easy. One could argue that Minnesota has the advantage tonight to get the win. However, the Rockets have James Harden… and he’s gonna make you fight for it.

Target Center:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (9-3):  Black

Minnesota Timberwolves (7-5):  Green

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockin’ Them Again:  Rockets Stabilize Pacers, 111-102

Doing it Again.    Unusual Suspects.    Bearded Legends.

On a night when Houston brought back the classic ketchup-and-mustard jerseys from their championship years, the viewing public was treated to another classic performance. James Harden dominated again, and the Rockets outpaced Indiana, 111-102, for their sixth straight victory. The Beard scored 44 on 50% shooting, as Houston held off a gritty Pacers team in a close contest. Indiana led by as many as 9 and kept matters interesting, but the Beard was just too much to handle. Harden has now scored 40 or more in half of the Rockets’ first dozen games. That’s insane. The rest of the league has eleven 40-point games combined. He’s doing it again. After a historic one-of-a-kind season last year, Harden’s off to an even better start this season. Injuries hit Houston earlier than usual this year, but Harden’s made sure the Rockets kept soaring. Averaging 38.7 points a game, the Beard’s led Houston to a 9-3 start, a game out of first place in the West. It’s too early for MVP-talk, but Harden’s making a very LOUD statement. And he’s not going anywhere. The Beard, contrary to all other superstars, doesn’t believe in load management. Harden doesn’t take nights off. If number 13 isn’t on the court for the Rockets, it’s because Harden is actually injured. Or for some reason is suspended. Both are rare sightings. The Beard has been arguably the league’s most durable player since he came to Houston. Harden has played in 545 of 574 possible games since becoming a Rocket. The Beard has yet to miss over 10 games in a single season with Houston. In the NBA’s Load Management Era, this is admirably impressive.

On Friday, Harden received impressive help from some unusual suspects, keeping the Rockets winning-streak alive. Ben McLemore had his best game of the season. Benny Mac finished with 21 points. Houston just wins when he’s on the floor. Of players playing at least 17 minutes a game, McLemore has the third highest plus/minus. It’s not a coincidence the Rockets outscore opponents when he’s on the floor. McLemore is tenacious on defense, and has the potential to be a deadly threat from outside. Benny Mac wasn’t the only Rocket who had his best game of the season. Tyson Chandler was tremendous defensively against Domantas Sabonis. Since filling in for Capela’s absence, Chandler has been exceptional. Houston needs the seasoned vet to be ready for their next contest, as the Rockets head to Minnesota to battle the Wolves. Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the best big men in basketball. Houston will need Chandler to step up on defense again if they want to win seven in a row.

Harden and Chandler, two bearded legends. Harden, the superstar, bound for the Hall-of-Fame. One of the best players of all-time. These accolades won’t be showered on Chander when his his career’s over. However, Tyson’s had one of the most respectable careers. an all-out consummate professional. Works hard every day. Plays for the team, to win. He’s a legend in his own right. Not many guys last 20 years in professional basketball… least of all, remain effective on the court. Chandler finds himself as a key component on a Championship contender this season. Some players battle father time better than others. These two bearded legends surely do. Houston won’t be rocking the classic jerseys on Saturday night in Minnesota. Although, don’t be surprised if another classic performance is in store… from a bearded legend.

Short-handed Rockets Strive for 6 Straight, Pacers Streak into Town

Championship Look.    Rested and Ready.    Underdogs?

You might not be wrong if you think Houston’s an underdog in Friday night’s matchup versus Indiana. For the first time this season, one could argue they are. The Rockets are severely undermanned with Westbrook, Capela, House, and Gordon all missing tonight’s contest. Also premiering tonight, the squad will rock their new classic ketchup & mustard uniforms that celebrate the 25th anniversary of the franchise’s last championship. Friday night marks the first of eight games in which the Rockets will don their 90’s championship look uni’s. Houston is currently playing its best ball of the year. The Beard and co. have the look of this season’s potential champion. The squad is coming off its most impressive win of the season, an entertaining Harden-fueled victory over the Clippers. On Friday night, the Rockets look to make it six in a row, as the streaking Indiana Pacers come to town. Indy’s riding their own 4-game winning streak. Tonight’s match with the Pacers marks the first game of a back-to-back for Houston. They’ll be without Clint Capela, Eric Gordon, and Danuel House. Russell Westbrook also plans to rest, which is the plan for Westbrook all season on the first of a back-to-back. James Harden has had that championship look in his eyes. The Beard needs help tonight if the Rockets want to beat a hot Indy team. 

The Pacers ride into Houston on 2 days of rest, boasting a 4-game winning streak. Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb are out with injuries for Indy, but the Rockets will still have their hands full. Domanatas Sabonis is one of the best young big men in the game. Sabonis presents a nightmare in the paint for Houston. The Pacers big man can score inside and out, doesn’t make many mistakes and is extremely efficient. Malcolm Brogdon also poses a threat to Houston’s winning streak. Brogdon is also a low mistake-prone player, and one of the smartest, most-underrated players in the league. Indiana’s All-Star Victor Oladipo is still out with an injury he suffered last season. The Pacers have been an early-season surprise, as many expected them to struggle without Oladipo. They didn’t last year after his injury. Indy has a lot of fight on this roster. The Pacers aren’t the most talented team in the NBA, but they play with a lot of heart and grit. The Rockets need other players to step up and help Harden score. Someone needs to fill the void left by the absences of Westbrook, Capela, Gordon, and House. The Beard can’t do it all by himself.

Even though Houston is the better team, the Rockets may find themselves as underdogs for the first time all season. Due the injury circumstances, Houston is vastly hobbled entering tonight’s matchup. Hopefully, Austin Rivers, Tyson Chandler, Ben McLemore, and others can give just the right amount of support for Harden to muster up another late win for the Rockets. Houston is the most hobbled they’ve been all season entering Friday night’s tussle. And the Eastern Conference hasn’t been the friendliest of foes this season for Houston. The Rockets are an undefeated 6-0 against the West. However, against the East, Houston is merely 2-3. The squad needs an all-around team effort tonight to avoid falling 2-4 against Eastern Conference teams. The Pacers are looking for their 5th straight win, fresh off two days of rest. For a team that plays harder than most, that’s an added advantage. Rivers and Chandler need to bring the energy they brought last game if the Rockets want to beat this hot Pacers team. Maybe, the classic uniforms Houston’s debuting on court will bring the squad some extra luck and motivation on the floor. The Rockets need it tonight. For the first time all season, they look like underdogs. But then again, they have James Harden, who can seemingly beat an average team by himself. And he’s playing at an even higher level than last year. Houston might be underdogs in the eyes of some. Just don’t tell the Beard… he’s looking to prove the doubters wrong… while rocking that championship look.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Indiana Pacers (7-4):  Yellow

Houston Rockets (8-3):  Classic Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Too Much Beard: Harden’s 47 Sails Rockets Past Clips, 102-93

Realest Rivalry.    Family Frenzy.    Best Player?

“He was incredible tonight, especially against a defensively sound team like they are… Superman sometimes has to put on his cape,” Austin Rivers said about the latest episode of The James Harden Show on Wednesday night. Houston’s biggest game of the season (so far) ended up being an odd yet entertaining affair. If anything’s certain. Highly questionable officiating gave Russell Westbrook four fouls in the first quarter alone. But, against the daunted Clippers, the Rockets managed to hold a lead with Brodie on the pine. Houston led by 16 points after the first quarter, and 12 at halftime. The Rockets had the opportunity to step on LA’s throat, but the Clips quietly got back in the game. Los Angeles held a 4-point lead with about 5 minutes left in the game, but Harden had his most clutch performance when the the squad needed it most. The Beard had 17 of his 47 points in the final 5 minutes, as the Rockets came back to beat the Clippers, 102-93, for their best win of the season. Houston outscored L.A. by 10 in clutch time to get their fifth consecutive win, and improve to 6-0 against the West.

Harden connected on 7-of-13 from downtown, including several clutch shots down the stretch. Westbrook had 17 points in a limited 30 minutes due to foul trouble. Clint Capela had another dominant performance, grabbing 20 rebounds to go along with 12 points and 2 blocks. Houston’s big man became the first Rocket since Moses Malone to record 3 consecutive 20-rebound games in a season. Unfortunately, Capela suffered a concussion after he took a dirty charge from JayMichael Green with about 5 minutes left in the game. The Big Swiss went to the locker room after suffering the concussion and never returned to the game. At this point the Clippers led by 1 point, with momentum on their side. Fortunately for Houston, Tyson Chandler stepped up in Capela’s absence, and had his best game of the year. The season vet played the rest of the game after checking in for Capela. Getting his most playing time as a Rocket, Chandler had 5 points and 9 rebounds in 16 minutes. He even made the highlight reel, catching a deep Harden lob for a backwards jam late in the contest to seal the victory for Houston.

If there’s any question as to who’s the best player in the league, and I know there are still people in the LeBron and Kawhi camps, Harden made quite the MVP-like statement on Wednesday night. Not only did 17 of of his 47 points come in the final five minutes of the game (clutch-time), the Beard did this against the best defense in the NBA. Without three teammates (Clint Capela, Eric Gordon, Danuel House) who often close games for Houston. Harden also outplayed Leonard on both ends of the floor. The Beard stripped the Claw before throwing Chandler the dagger lob that basically ensured a Rockets win. Many people claim Kawhi as the NBA’s best “two-way” player, but the Claw certainly got outplayed in Houston. Harden had 47 points and 3 steals, including the late crucial snag on Kawhi that sealed the victory. Leonard had 26 points and 1 steal, against a Rockets team that supposedly doesn’t play defense. Unfortunately for L.A., Houston was dominant defensively. The Rockets held the Clippers to 93 points. It’s the lowest amount the Clips have scored this season. It was also the least amount of points Houston’s allowed all season. Harden and P.J. Tucker were exceptional defensively late on Leonard to contain the reigning Finals-MVP. Austin Rivers’ defense on the usually-clutch Lou Williams in the fourth quarter was phenomenal. And Montrezl Harrell, who usually feasts when he’s back in Houston, had one his worst games of his career. Trez usually goes for 20-10 against the Rockets, but Capela and Houston’s interior defense was suffocating. Trez went 2-for-12 from the floor, and finished with only 4 points. It’s the first time in Harrell’s career he shot under 30% with at least 9 attempts. During this current 5-game winning streak, the Rockets boast the NBA’s top defense. Houston is allowing 98.5 points per 100 possessions during this stretch, best in the league. The entire squad has shown a leap in improvement in the hustle and effort departments.

A matchup simmering as a rivalry for the last two years, officially became one on Wednesday night. Patrick Beverly was ejected, after being too much of a pest. After the game, Westbrook said Bev doesn’t play any defense. This is partially biased, as the two have a history of bad blood, and hate each other. Also, Beverly held Harden to 0/6 shooting when he guarded the Beard. But, basketball being a team sport, defense is a group exercise. If your team lets one guy drop 47 points, everyone’s responsible. In this season’s most entertaining moment, Austin Rivers urged the refs to eject his father, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers. Austin was only feet away from a heated Doc, as he perusaded officials to toss his dad for arguing a call. The refs inclined, and Austin even made the “call me” sign with his hands to his dad, as Doc headed to the locker room. Given the level of competition, history, and familiarity between these two squads, the Rockets and Clippers are then league’s most honest, heated rivalry. The Clippers might share a building with the Lakers, but the Clips have more bad blood with Houston than any team in the league. It’ll be fun when these two meet again. Expect each match to get chippier in the future. We’ve got a real rivalry on our hands between the Rockets and the Clips.

Houston needs to ride their momentum of this 5-game winning streak, and hope they can get a victory on the weekend. Starting with their win over the Clippers on Wednesday, the Rockets are in the midst of one of their most difficult stretches of the season. Up next is a back-to-back this weekend for Houston. They host Indiana  on Friday and then head to Minnesota on Saturday. The Rockets will be without Capela, Gordon, House, and Westbrook on Friday. The Pacers are on a 4-game winning-streak of their own, and are one of the hardest playing teams in the league. Houston is now 6-0 against the West, but only 2-3 against the East. Can they survive the weekend? The Rockets might be without 4 rotational players, but they still have the Beard. And this weekend… Houston needs Superman to put on his cape.

Rockets Host Clippers in Battle of Western Heavyweights

Define Yourself.    JV Rockets.    Favorites.

“Other people’s definitions of you, sometimes they’re more about making themselves feel better. You gotta define yourself,” Christopher Moltisanti says at one point in The Sopranos. At this point in Houston’s season, we’ve now reached the 10-game mark. The Rockets are 7-3. A respectable mark, but Houston’s had one of the easiest schedules to start the year. All that starts to change tonight, as the Los Angeles Clippers come to town for a battle of Western Conference heavyweights. It’s the biggest game of the season so far for the Rockets. Other than Milwaukee on Opening Night, Houston has yet to play a true title contender. That changes tonight, as the Clippers are favorites to win it all in the eyes of many. Wednesday night’s game will be the first measuring stick to witness how good the Rockets are, right now. Many fans, critics, and experts have defined the Clippers as title favorites. Houston gets mentioned further down the list of contenders, usually after pretenders like the Lakers, Denver, Portland, and Utah. On national television, the Rockets get a chance to show the league they deserve to be discussed amongst the NBA’s elite. Houston’s riding a season-high 4-game winning streak entering tonight’s first real test. They aim for 5 in a row in the first of many battles to come against the Clips this season.

The Clippers have won 4 of their last 5 games. The Rockets lost Danuel House Jr. to a back contusion in the previous game. The Houstonian will miss tonight’s game, with no timetable set for his return. News broke yesterday that EG is expected to miss six weeks due to a knee injury. The Rockets limp into this match a little hobbled, but they still have enough firepower to make tonight’s game must-see TV. Paul George was rumored to be making his Clipper debut in Houston, but it now appears George will play his first game of the season tomorrow, when the Clips head to New Orleans.

As of now, the Clippers are the favorites. And, as of this moment, that’s fair. There is no clear-cut favorite. And the Clips do have last season’s Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, leading the way. The Load Management King is arguably the best two-way player in the game today, when he decides to play. And, who woulda thunk it? Kawhi’s actually playing tonight, as he’s one of the few players who can (try) to contain the Beard. It should be a close game. Minus House and Gordon, the Rockets need to be better than ever. Westbrook needs to be ready for his best game of the season. Russ shot the ball above 50 percent over his last two games. This trend needs to continue for Houston to win tonight. The Beard will likely be hounded all night by the Claw (Leonard), meaning other Rockets need to step up.

Familiar faces always pop up when these two rivals meet. Many former Rockets now play for the Clippers. In Los Angeles, these JV Rockets have become one of the most stellar rotational units in basketball. Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, and Montrezl Harrell were all included in the 2017 deal for Chris Paul. All these guys play with a chip on their shoulder when they face Houston. Beverly is arguably the biggest pest in the entire league (and the guy I miss most from the CP3 trade). Lou Williams is the best sixth man in NBA history. Sweet Lou’s the favorite the win the award once again this season, as the best reserve in basketball doesn’t seem to age. The Clippers also have Patrick Patterson, who Houston drafted back in 2010. Houston’s Austin Rivers is also a former Clipper, and used to be one of the most hated opponents for Rocket fans. That’s changed, but Houston can still boo another Rivers on the Clips sidelines. Austin’s father, Doc Rivers, coaches the Clippers. This has been a rivalry in the making for a few years now, ever since the Rockets erased the Clippers 3-1 lead the last time these squads met in the postseason. Two years ago, the “Secret Tunnel” game highlighted the battle between the clubs. Last year, the undermanned Clips went 2-1 against Houston, igniting more fury, ensuring this rivalry was only heating up. Now, these two teams are finally legit contenders.

It’s time Houston. Tonight’s a chance for the Rockets to make a statement. Beat  a team considered to be one of the favorites. ESPN, most publishing outlets, and writers all want the Clippers win. It’s a feel-good story for the media. The Clippers “shocking” everyone going 8-3 without Paul George. Nonetheless, this team is the best team the Rockets will face all season, with or without PG13. George only makes the Clips scarier. Not many people nationally appreciate Houston. They love to talk about how Harden and the Rockets are boring to watch. These are the two deadliest duos in the NBA this season. I would include the Lakers, but Anthony Davis is already complaining about his shoulder. Before the season began I didn’t think AD would make it through the playoffs. Now, I don’t even think The Brow make it to the playoffs without suffering a season-ending injury. AD’s injury history has never been good. And aging does nothing to help that history. Especially for tall, lankier big men. Nationally, most will be rooting for the Clippers, but Harden and Westbrook need to show how far they’ve come. In their previous performance the two combined for 74% shooting inside the arc. Houston’s deadly duo needs to attack the rim if the Rockets want to sail over the Clippers for a win.

If the Rockets win, the first thing the media will point out is that Paul George was absent. House and Gordon are unlikely to be mentioned. However, their absence is just a detriment to Houston as George’s is for Los Angeles. There are no excuses for tonight’s loser. These squads will meet twice more in the regular season, and probably in the playoffs. Wednesday night is just Act One in pitting the NBA’s best teams face-to-face. Although most don’t consider these two foes the league’s two best, Houston believes otherwise. Harden, Westbrook, and crew already know how others label the Rockets: Pretenders. Tonight, Houston can show the world who they really are: title contenders. All those people, the ones who say the Rockets are pretenders, the ones who believe Houston has no chance at winning the title, people who feel better when the Rockets lose because they want their definition of Houston clarified. They’ll be tuning in tonight. Toyota Center hosts the biggest game of the NBA season thus far. The world will be watching. Whether it’s the King of Load Management, or the Greatest Scorer Who Never Rested… definitions get tossed, jumbled, and altered by false-narratives and rumors. In this league, you define your own legacy… it’s time Harden and the Rockets define themselves.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (7-3):  Black

Houston Rockets (7-3):  White

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT – ESPN, AT&T Sportsnet SW

The Houston Rockets are facing injuries early in the season. Guard Eric Gordon suffered a knee injury and is out for six weeks. Danuel House Jr. will also miss some time. Not to worry Houston fans, this team is still very talented, even without those two players on the court. James Harden and Russell Westbrook can handle their own, and dominate like they have been. Harden is the main star on the team, anyway, and is having another MVP-caliber campaign.

Gordon is having surgery after suffering a bad knee injury. Rockets GM Daryl Morey hopes the team can have him back in time to make a run. Houston currently sits at 7-3 overall, tied for the most wins in the Western Conference. As for House, he’ll miss some time as well, but will come back soon enough. Houston took a big blow when Gerald Green was ruled out for the season after he injured his foot. Expect players like Ben McLemore, Austin Rivers, Thabo Sefolosha, and Chris Clemons to step up in the absence of Eric Gordon and Danuel House. 

The Rockets are playing at a high level right now. With a huge game against the Clippers on Wednesday night, a win would propel them into even better playoff positioning in the Western Conference. However, losing two of their best players won’t help the cause. With Rivers, McLemore, and Sefolosha ready to step up and fill the void, Houston can prime themselves for a big run. It’s still early in the season, but this Houston Rockets team is looking like a true contender. With the Warriors being down this year and Steph Curry out, a new team has the opportunity to claim the West. Houston will definitely need Gordon and House back at some point this season. If the Rockets can make a defining run and truly contend, this season can remain magical. 

– Brandon Eisenman

Victory Pains:  Rockets Top Pelicans, 122-116, As a Familiar Bug Returns

Dents in the Machine.    The Case for 2.    Late to the Party.

“You can change what you do, but you can’t change what you want” proclaims Tommy Shelby, in Peaky Blinders, one of Netflix’s best offerings. Despite bumping their winning streak to four games, the Rockets are going to have to change what they like to do… if they still want a legit chance at the title. Houston escaped the Big Easy with a win over the Pelicans, 122-116, on Monday night. James Harden had 19 of his 39 points in the final quarter. Clint Capela continued his domination on the glass with 20 rebounds. Westbrook put on the best mid-range show from a Rocket since… I can’t remember. As a result, the Rockets won their fourth consecutive game, and improved to 5-0 against the West (albeit against non-playoff teams). Although, this victory came at a high price. Danuel House Jr. took a hard fall on his back late in the first half. House didn’t play in the second half. Tuesday, news broke that the Houstonian has a back contusion. House has no timetable yet for a return, and will miss at least the the next game. More bad news came later in the day. After having his best game of the season, with 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Eric Gordon is due to have knee surgery. Houston’s sixth man, who finally seemed to find his groove during Monday night’s win, will miss the next six weeks of the season.

Hence, the injury bug is officially back in Houston. This is nothing new for the Rockets. Time and time again, Houston has dealt with losses to key players, especially durning the Harden-P.J. Era (the last two seasons). Only ten games into this season, and the injury bug is buzzing around for a new year of pestering. House was in the midst of a breakout season for Houston, with his name even in contention for the NBA’s Most Improved Player. Gordon, after having the worst start to a season in his career, finally appeared to shake out of his funk on Monday night. House and Gordon are huge losses for the Rockets. Both are a heavy-minute players in Coach Mike D’Antoni’s rotation. House had been the most consistent Rocket, and Splash Gordon was molding back into the guy who’s won the NBA Sixth Man Award (at least in the latest game). Guys like Ben McLemore and Thabo Sefolosha will receive more playing time due to the injuries to House and Gordon. They’ll be seeing the most increase in minutes, but each Rocket needs to bring more to the table.

Fortunately for Houston, Harden and Westbrook had their best collective shooting game of the season in New Orleans. The superstar duo continues to make progress with each game. In Monday’s win, the Beard and Brodie collectively shot 24-for-46 from the floor. That’s an astounding 52.2%. If Harden and Westbrook keep that up, the rest of the league’s in trouble. However, it was the shot selection in this game that made all the difference. The Beard shoots more three’s than anyone in the NBA. Harden’s not going to stop shooting from long range, and neither are the Rockets. However, a serious case needs to be made for the old-fashioned 2-point field goal. As witnessed in the Big Easy, the trigger-happy Beard needs to step-back a little less, and drive a little more. If Houston can follow suit as a team, the differences in potential game outcomes will be astounding.

Let’s look at Monday’s win for instance. Harden finished with 39 points, on 13-for-25 shooting. Westbrook went 11-of-21 from the floor, for 26 points. Taking a closer peek at the shot selection reveals why Houston won the game. The Beard and Brodie were horrendous from 3-point land. Combined, they shot a dismal 4-for-19 (21%) from deep, resulting in only 12 points. However, Harden and Westbrook were unstoppable when they refused to settle for three. The star backcourt duo shot an astounding 20-for-27 from inside the arc. That’s equivalent to 74%. NBA players don’t even shoot free throws with such ease. I don’t know if Harden finally realized he needs to drive the ball more, but the Beard attempted more shots from inside the arc than beyond (14 to 11). That almost never happens in this day-and-age for for Harden. The Beard has patented his style of play around his step-back three. He loves to shoot from downtown as much as anyone in the NBA. If Harden truly wants a championship, he needs to change what he likes to do most: isolate and step-back from three (as open driving lanes scream at him from the paint). The Beard needs to listen to these lanes, and drive it more to the hoop, as seen in the Rockets latest win. Hopefully, Harden’s learned how tweaking elements of his game vastly improves Houston’s chances of winning games. Ironically, just as the injury bug arrives, the schedule happens to get tougher over the next few weeks. Beginning with a potential preview of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night, as the Clippers come to town for the biggest game of the young season. The Rockets need Monday night’s version of the Beard to avoid falling in the West standings. The playoffs are in the distant future… but Harden will need to play drive-style of ball in the postseason for Houston to win it all.

The Beard was late to the party on Monday night in New Orleans. Harden scored 28 of his 39 points in the second half, including 19 in the final frame. Houston’s schedule toughens over the next few weeks. Harden can’t afford to show up late to party as playoff-caliber competition approaches. The squad needs MVP-caliber Beard for four quarters a night, especially with the newfound injuries. Speaking of MVPs, Harden passed Michael Jordan on Monday for the most points scored over the first 10 games of a season in NBA-history. After leading the league in scoring the past two seasons, the Beard is the NBA’s scoring leader once again this season, averaging 37.3 points a game. We all know he can score. Harden seems to pass a Jordan scoring record every month. Harden has to realize what’s best for the Rockets as a team. It might require less step-back threes. More drives to the basket to open up shooters. More easy layups. Some necessary change to the way they usually operate. But if the Beard and the Rockets want to win a championship in this era… it’s time to change the way they do things… just a little bit. Who knows… maybe they’ll be rewarded with what they want most: a championship.

Rockets Aiming for a Smooth Win in New Orleans

No Rest Test.    Weekly Player.    Big Easy Birds.

Houston hits the Big Easy to face their divisional rival, the New Orleans Pelicans, on Monday night. New Orleans has struggled this season, starting 2-7. The Rockets narrowly beat the Pelicans in the second game earlier this season, back in Houston. Records don’t matter in this one. New Orleans is much better than their record. If the Rockets overlook the Pelicans, the result won’t be pretty. Houston has a busy week ahead. Tonight’s game is the first of four in six nights. The Rockets won’t get much rest, but still need to double down on their defensive effort, if they want to go at least 3-1 during this span. Otherwise, Houston’s looking at 2-2, optimistically.

James Harden is coming off Player of the Week honors, after he led the Rockets to a 3-0 record last week. The Beard is putting up insane numbers yet again this season. Last week, Harden averaged roughly 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. He started the year struggling with his shot, but the Beard looks better than ever, primed for another MVP-caliber season. His ability to mesh well with Russell Westbrook, has only opened up more opportunities for the Beard himself. Harden looks to keep it rolling, and lead the Rockets through a busy week. Harden doesn’t play the load management game. He’s licking his chops at this week. Especially with the Clippers next on the slate. For now, Houston has to focus on the Pelicans, and get the win in New Orleans.

A date with the Los Angeles Clippers looming this Wednesday back in Houston poses possible problems for tonight’s game. The Rockets can’t afford to over look the Pelicans. Despite the shooting struggles and desire to play no defense early on, 7-3 would be respectable start to the season for the Rockets. They currently sit tied for third in the jammed Western Conference standings. Only a game out of first, Houston needs to seize the opportunity at hand. The bottom line is the Pelicans aren’t on the same talent, experience, or basketball IQ level as the Rockets. Not an insult, just a fact. Houston needs to prove this by continuing the trend of the previous two games: Blowout W’s. It won’t be easy tonight. New Orleans is better than Chicago and Golden State, Houston’s blowout victims this season. It’s time the Rockets add another to that list: New Orleans. Expect Harden to keep it rolling, and the Rockets to win tonight. A blowout is feasible, but look for contested close game. These are divisional rivals, and Houston’s had letdowns this season. But that was the past. They’re learned from their stakes. Blowout or nail-biter, Houston’s smart enough to execute a victory over the Big Easy Birds. A loss? That would be an insult.

 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (6-3):  Black

New Orleans Pelicans (2-7):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW