Blog

Rockets Host Nets, Look to Give Harden Help

EG Returns?   House Moves.   Welcome to Houston, James.

          The Rockets host the Nets tonight at Toyota Center in Houston, in what should be another matchup which requires the Beard to do some heavy lifting.  Houston won the previous meeting between the teams back in early November, but times were different then.  Brooklyn is a much better team and in playoff contention in the East.  Eric Gordon is questionable to return tonight, and his presence will give Harden and the Rockets a huge boost if he’s able to go.

Someone I didn’t want to see go, Danuel House Jr., was sent back to the G-League, after the two-sides couldn’t come to terms on a contract agreement.  Hosue has been instrumental is carrying the hustle and dirty-work portion of the action for Houston, along with P.J. Tucker.  House will be sorely missed.  A move I simply cannot understand.  If the Rockets wanted to win they would have paid the man.  He more than earned a roster spot.  Others feel differently, and it’s time to move on.  The Rockets welcome James Nunnally to Houston, on a 10-day contract, to fill up House’s void (or, at least try to).  Nunnally last played for the Wolves in Minnesota, hopefully he will be the perfect fit, a la Danuel House.  The Rockets are going to feel his absence on the court, starting tonight.  Don’t be surprised if the squad as a whole starts trending downward.  House was a huge difference-maker on both ends of the floor.   The Rockets are 16-9 when he plays.  And 9-9 when House doesn’t.

The Rockets should have enough to beat the Nets, a team that is improving yet still young, if Houston plays down to their competition, it will result in a loss.  Hopefully, the Beard can get some help on the floor tonight and the Rockets can put it all together for a win as they try and keep pace in the Western Conference standings.

 

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Brooklyn Nets (22-23): White

Houston Rockets (25-18): Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

Houston Rockets 2018/2019 Midway Point Season Review

First Half Brought Lows, Experiments, and… a Resurgence We’ve Never Seen

The Dunk.   The Game.   The Goal.

 

The Rockets got off to a shaky start in 2018. They got blown out by the Pelicans on Opening Night, and had trouble adjusting to Carmelo Anthony and an early-season ‘hangover.’ Houston started 1-5, and 11-14, before finally turning things around, winning 13 of their last 16 games to enter the second half of the season with a record of 24-17. How did things get turned around? Despite the injuries have really mounted almost every player on the roster this season. James Harden. That’s how. Playing the best basketball of his life. The first half amounted to experimenting with different rotations and new additions, dealing with injuries, and a sudden rejuvenation in play by James Harden. Carmelo Anthony took the court during the first 10 games, which didn’t work. Nothing against Melo, it just wasn’t a good fit for either party, and the Rockets went 4-6 in games Anthony played. Chris Paul, Eric Gordon, James Ennis, have all battled constant injuries it seems the entire first half. Houston has yet to play a game in which its entire roster is healthy. Injuries happen, but they just seem to swarm the Rockets like a plague. The injury bug is real and something Houston will be fighting against this season and beyond.

On December 11^th, Houston stood at 11-14, and trailed at halftime to Portland. They were able to overcome the deficit, and improve to 12-14 in what would be the start of a turning point. The turn happened in the Rockets next game. December 13^th, against the Lakers. LeBron’s first game donning the purple and gold in James Harden’s House. The matchup was a big one for both teams prior to tip, but no one could sense the storm that was about to come. Except for the Beard. LeBron James hit two fade-away jumpers to start the game in what looked like another disappointing Rockets loss, in a season full of then. All of a sudden, it happened. James Harden dunked on JaVale McGee and the rest is history. The Beard turned and flexed in the direction of LBJ, as if to tell him, “I’m the real King James” and finished the game with a 50-point triple-double. The first game of his 30-point streak, that Harden is still managing to keep alive.

The Rockets haven’t looked back since. Harden had arguably the defining game of his career, with the Rockets victory over the Warriors on Jan. 3^rd. The Beard’s impossible 3 over two of the leagues best defenders (Draymond Green, Klay Thompson) was a sight to behold. The game felt like a statement game. Harden was able to beat the Warriors by himself. It should be interesting to see what happens when the Houston gets back to full health.

Houston finished the first half 13-3, after starting a dismal 1-5, and then 11-14. The Rockets seamlessly blended several key new acquisitions into the system. Danuel House Jr., who’s been tremendous and earned his spot in the rotation for the season. Austin Rivers, who has also been awesome and a lifesaver for the team since Chris Paul went down. Gary Clark has been a key rookie who’s showed plenty of promise since being picked up by the Rockets after going undrafted. Houston’s already hit rock bottom, and seen more adversity than all of last season. This will only make them better in the future once (if) the roster can ever play together completely healthy. All the adjusting and rough sailing should be finished for this team’s expected destination. If the Rockets can somehow avoid the injury bug come playoff time, this team has the potential to accomplish even greater things than last year’s squad. Last year’s team set the regular season franchise record with 65 wins. The only way this year’s team can top that is by bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to Houston. Larry, we await with open arms. Come home. After 24 years, it’s finally time.

Harden’s 57 Points Elevate Rockets Past Grizzlies, 112-94

M.V.P.   Clark’s Emergence.   The Harden Tour.  

 

This one was for Clint.  People said James Harden’s game would be limited, I even said he wouldn’t have as many tricks up his sleeve as usual.  Regardless, the Beard did what the Beard does this season: he proves people wrong.  Harden did it again Monday night, carrying a depleted Rockets team past the Grizzlies, dropping 57 points on the way to a 112-94 victory in Houston.  The Beard’s 57 points are a season-high, as he passed Kobe Bryant for 2^nd on the list of consecutive games scoring 30 or more, making this game Harden’s 17^th in a row.  If it wasn’t clear earlier, it should be crystal by now. James Harden is the MVP this season.  Unless he falls off the face of the Earth, the Beard is the most valuable player to any team in the NBA, no matter who’s on the injury list for Houston on any given night.  Monday night, and for some nights in the foreseeable future, the Rockets will be without 3 starters in their lineup.  Harden won’t score 57 every night, but he made a statement in the Rockets first game without Clint Capela, Chris Paul, and Eric Gordon.  As long as he’s healthy, and playing at this level, the Rockets have a chance against anyone, on any night.  That’s the definition of an MVP.  The Greek Freak is a sensational player, but he’s got a healthy, deep team around him, as the Bucks sit near the top of the East.  The Beard never knows who will or won’t be playing on any given night.  Harden just knows he’s all in, every night.  There shouldn’t be any more questions as to who will be named MVP this year.  They said he needed to score 50 to win.  Harden scored 57 points.  The MVP discussion is finally over.  The Beard ended it last night.

The Rockets had other players step up, despite some tired legs.  Danuel House had another stellar outing, with 15 points and vicious defense, as he proves to be one of the best role players in the league on a nightly basis.  Austin Rivers had another double-digit scoring affair, something he’s done in every game as a Rocket except once.  Gerald Green provided another spark off the bench with 14 points and his usual jolt of energy.  Gary Clark had another efficient, mistake-free outing in more minutes than usual for the rookie.  Clark has played well in every chance he’s been given.  The rookie just hasn’t been given enough minutes due to Houston’s depth.  Last night, he finished with 8 points and 3 boards with GREAT defense, in 26 minutes of action.  Now, he’ll have a chance to shine and possibly even earn a spot in the rotation like Danuel House did.  House ended up taking Clark’s spot in the rotation, before taking Ennis’ spot in the starting lineup.  All deserved for Danuel, whose breakout season has saved Houston and his undercurrent of hustle along with P.J. Tucker and Gerald Green have kept the Rockets afloat, along with Harden’s play, amongst all the injuries this season.  Gary Clark is the same grind it out, hustle player, like the aforementioned group.  Clark plays with a chip on his shoulder and with something to prove, the rookie went undrafted out of Cincinnati.  Another example of Daryl Morey’s genius as a GM, Clark has the opportunity of a lifetime to solidify one of the final spots in the rotation for himself if he continues to play mistake-free, efficient basketball.  The Rockets are the deepest team in the league, with Clark’s emergence (a player most media nationally haven’t even heard of) people will begin to recognize Houston’s depth as a real factor in their success, other than Harden’s greatness.  Clark’s evolution will be another key piece to the Rockets puzzle, as they search for that elusive third Championship.

Up next on the James Harden Tour, the Brooklyn Nets pay a visit to Houston on Wednesday night.  The Rockets will once again be without 3 key players (Paul, Capela, Gordon).  The Beard will try and make the Nets his next victim on his tour of schooling professional athletes, a tour that has no end in sight.  One sees the real value of a player when his back’s against the wall.  Most players force shots and they’re weaknesses are exposed.  When James Harden’s back is against the wall, he puts the team on his shoulders and carries them to victory, exposing his greatness as an individual and leader.  Harden’s proved it, time and time again, this season.  He’s the best player on the planet right now, in a league full of top-tier athletes James Harden stands alone as the best.  Houston fans, don’t take this for granted.  I keep thinking eventually this has to stop.  Although, something in Harden’s eyes tells me, the Beard has no plans of slowing down, at any point this season.  Hopefully, he will be able to keep it up.  The Rockets can’t afford to have the Harden Tour end anytime soon.

 

 

 

Banged-Up Rockets Host Grizzlies, Hope Home will Help Harden, Others, to Step Up

Hand Down, Man Down.   Time to Run As One.   How Good Are You Really, Mr. Harden?

The Rockets return home more banged-up than they’ve been all season long.  Clint Capela suffered an injury to his right thumb in last night’s game, and will miss the next 4-6 weeks.  This means the Rockets currently have 3 starters (Paul, Gordon, Capela) out of their lineup.  The Beard had an off-shooting night in Orlando, maybe home will help Harden get his rhythm from long range back.  The Rockets will need it, as a tough Memphis Grizzlies squad comes to town on Monday night.  The Grizzlies don’t boast the most talent, but they play hard every night and will have an advantage at the Center position with Capela absent.  Marc Gasol is one of the league’s better, experienced Centers and without Capela will pose matchup problems to Houston’s interior all night long.

It’s time for the Rockets to “Run As One”, and play well as a group.  Clint was truly playing at an All-Star level, and his absence will be felt in the lineup.  Everyone will see more playing time, and it is crucial guys continue to play well in their respective roles.  Austin Rivers has been a lifesaver for the Rockets, and is coming off his best game of the season.  Rivers will only see more looks with Capela’s absence limiting the pick and roll opportunities for the Beard, as Clint is Harden’s go-to guy in the crucial part of the Rockets offense.  The Rockets will be at a disadvantage in the post without Capela, and will need to rely more on small-ball and hustle to win games.

No matter how many guys step up, the Rockets will still need James Harden to continue playing at an elite level.  Now, with another man down, the Beard faces a firm challenge in testing how great his abilities truly are on the court.  Capela is a key facet to Harden’s game.  Clint’s absence takes away the pick-and-roll between the two that resulted in either: open Harden three’s, or an assisted lob to Capela for an open dunk.  The Beard needs his shot to be in a better rhythm than it was in Orlando, or the Rockets could find themselves in some trouble.  Tonight, Houston faces a desperate Grizzlies team, with their playoff-hopes not yet out of reach.  Hopefully, Harden’s shot will be falling and he can lead the Rockets to another victory.  Houston’s margin for error is closing, and the Rockets can’t afford to fall further back in the West standings.  Luckily, Houston’s got the MVP.  And tonight, Harden has another chance to show the basketball world why he deserves to be called the MVP this season as well.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (19-23):  Blue

Houston Rockets (24-18):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

Rockets Play Down to Competition, Lack Focus, Fall to Magic, 106-99

Toying Around.   Another One Bites the Dust.   Harden Hero Ball.

          Houston sailed into Orlando, home to the happiest place on Earth, Disneyworld, feeling pretty good about themselves after a recent blowout-win over the Cavs.  The Rockets had managed a difficult stretch with key players out and finished the first half 13-3, after starting the season 1-5.  Houston looked to start the second half of the season better than the first, with a visit to Amway Center.  However unimpressive their record might be, the Orlando Magic are no joke.  And they proved that last night. For the majority of the contest, the Rockets toyed around with the Magic just to see how close they could keep the game.  Soon enough, Houston’s lack of focus instilled confidence in Orlando, and bolstered the Magic to a comeback victory on Sunday night, 106-99, over a Rockets team left scratching their heads. Houston let this one go.  A game they definitely should have won over inferior competition, the Rockets also controlled the pace for much of the matchup, and held the lead for the majority of it, until they collapsed mid-fourth quarter.

Despite having a record of now 19-24, the Magic are still a team of professionals, like any squad in the NBA.  If you toy around and play down to your competition, in many situations, it will come back to bite you.  That’s pretty much what happened on Sunday night in Orlando.  The Rockets wasted Austin Rivers’ best game as a Rocket, and Harden was both historically great and awful.  Rivers’ finished with a season-high 25 points, and was the lone bright spot for much of the game, besides Danuel House, who had another efficient outing, with 14 points and great defense.  The Beard scored 38 points, along with 9 boards and 12 assists, and tied Kobe Bryant for the longest streak of consecutive game scoring 30 or more points, with 16 straight.  However, this was not Harden’s night shooting the basketball.  Usually, Harden Hero Ball has worked this season for Houston, but not last night.  The Beard went 1 for 17 from long range.  Harden missed a staggering 16 attempts from the promise land, but had no trouble getting to the line, hence the 38 points.  The Beard should have driven the ball to the basket more instead of settling from distance on a night when his shot from deep was not falling.

Clint Capela had a solid, but less than spectacular game, with 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Unfortunately, Clint injured his right thumb in the contest, and will miss tonight’s matchup.  What’s even more devastating is Capela will miss the next 4-6 weeks.  Hopefully the Rockets can dodge another bullet, and keep pace in the West standings with arguably their second most-important player down.  Houston needs their big man to get healthy as quickly as possible.  Capela has been a key piece to the Rockets’ recent resurgence in the standings.  Harden and Capela’s pick and roll is one of the deadliest arsenals in Houston’s offense, and arguably unstoppable, especially when the Beard’s shot is falling.  Capela’s absence removes this key part of the Rockets and Harden’s game, forcing them to result to other options.  Houston will have to adjust properly with another man down, as they play a Grizzlies team next that always plays hard, and has their own star big man in veteran Marc Gasol.

The Rockets will rely on Harden and his version of “Hero-Ball” more than ever in this game.  Clint Capela is out, along with Chris Paul and Eric Gordon.  Houston needs more players to step up and give the Beard some help.  Rivers, House, Tucker, Green, and Ennis will all get added playing time in Capela’s absence.  Clark, and even Isaiah Hartenstein, just called up from the G-League, will see more time as well.  The Rockets are thin at the 5-position, so Capela’s injury hurts arguably even more than Paul or Gordon’s.  Houston needs the Beard to be back on his game and hitting that step-back 3 or the Rockets could find themselves in trouble in the near future.  Up next, the Memphis Grizzlies come to town Monday night.  This will be a great first test for a depleted Rockets team in terms of how they can manage without Capela.  Memphis sits in the 14^th spot in the crowded West standings, yet are only 3 games out of playoff contention.  The Grizzlies will be a tough out for the Rockets, without Capela.  Marc Gasol is one of the best big men in the league and is a skilled veteran who, along with Mike Conley, lead this Memphis team to play hard every night.  The Rockets will need Harden’s Hero Ball to be working, and everyone else needs to step up in order to quickly right the ship.

Second Half of Season Starts in Orlando, Rockets Seek Fast-Pass to Victory

A New Half Begins.   Toughest Matchup Yet?   Beard Magic.      

 

Well, that was fast.  With the first half of the season already in the books, Houston looks to keep winning and climbing up the standings.  The second half of the season begins Sunday evening in Orlando, as the Rockets take on the Magic, one of the East’s less formidable teams.  James Harden and company look to keep the winning ways rolling, as they face another team they should be able to beat, even without Chris Paul and Eric Gordon.  CP3 and EG are due back “soon” according sources, but the Rockets have been playing just fine without them.  The Magic don’t boast enough talent to give injury-riddled Houston any issues, besides Orlando’s big man in the middle

Nikola Vucevic is the Magic’s best player, and one of the more overlooked big-men in the league.  Vucevic will pose one of the biggest challenges to Clint Capela yet, as the European’s style of play is very unique and efficient.  Vucevic doesn’t make many mistakes and is a beast on the boards.  Capela will have to be locked in like he has all season and the Rockets emerging All-Star should be able to win the Center matchup this evening.  Aaron Gordon will also be a force for Orlando inside, so Tucker, House, and others need to help out Clint in the battle for the boards.

Hopefully, the Rockets will put the Magic away early, so starters can get rest and players at the end of the bench can get another opportunity like in the last game.  Houston will need some more magic from the Beard if they want to take the Orlando crowd out of the game early.  The Magic are a better team than Cleveland, but the Rockets need to win the battle on the boards, and help Capela out on the inside.  Orlando is coming off one of their best wins of the season, a two-point victory over the Celtics, yesterday at home.  This is the second night of a back-to-back for the Magic, and the Rockets should put Orlando’s tired legs to rest early after the Magic’s hard-fought comeback-win over Boston last night.  Harden should have no problems getting 30 points again, as the Rockets should be have their own Fast-Pass to victory tonight over the Magic.

Amway Center:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Orlando Magic (18-24) – Blue

Houston Rockets (24-17) – White

 

TV:  5:00 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

Rockets Blast Cavs, 141-113, In Complete Team-Effort

Again.   Garbage Time.   Looking Ahead.

The Rockets made easy work of the Cavs on Friday night at Toyota Center.  Houston put Cleveland away early en route to a 141-113 victory, in a game that was never close.  James Harden led the way with 43 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 dimes.  The Beard had his 4^th career 40-point triple-double, and he managed to do it in only 30 minutes of action, becoming the first player in NBA history to accomplish the feat.  Harden passed T-Mac for sole possession of 2^nd place for most games in a row with 30 or more points, doing it for the 15^th consecutive game.  Six Rockets finished in double-figures and 9 had at least 7 or more points.  It was a total team effort for Houston, as they had no problems with one of the league’s worst teams.

Garbage time even produced promising results, as Marquess Chriss and Brandon Knight both had their best games in Rocket uniforms.  Houston did what they were supposed to do.  Put away a bad team early and finish the job so everyone can get playing time and your starters can get rest.  It was a solid close, and complete team effort to close out the first half of the season by the Rockets.

Up next for Houston, the second half of the season begins.  Looking ahead, the schedule is not as difficult as the first half, yet many tough games remain to be played for the Rockets.  Up next, the Rockets travel to Orlando to face the Magic.  Orlando sits on the outside looking in and probably won’t make the playoffs this year.  Although, they boast one of the best big men in the league, Nikola Vucevic.  Vucevic is having a career season in a contract-year, and will pose another huge challenge to Clint Capela on the inside.  The Rockets should be able to handle the Magic, like they did Cleveland, and put them away early for a win to start the second half of the season.

Rockets Host Cavs, Seek a Win to Close Out Season’s First Half

An Easy Obstacle.   15 for 30?   Halftime.

           Throughout the first half of the season, the Rockets encountered many challenging obstacles.  Tonight shouldn’t be one of them. Houston hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at Toyota Center in what should be an easy victory as we reach the midway point in the season.  Cleveland is one of the worst teams in the NBA.  A young, rebuilding squad, with not much talent at all, the Cavs should pose no threat to the Rockets.  Houston’s immensely improved since the Cavs won the first meeting between these two teams in Cleveland.  A matchup some could argue was the Rockets worst loss of the season so far.  Houston has no reason to lose this game, despite Chris Paul and Eric Gordon remaining out with injuries.  The Rockets have Harden, Capela, and the best group of role players in the NBA who are really starting to mesh as a group and “Run As One.”  Cleveland has some potential, with the upside of rookie point guard Colin Sexton, but that’s just about it.  The Cavs are trying to deal Kevin Love as they try and navigate the rebuilding process successfully.  No doubt they are praying every day in Cleveland to get that number one pick come draft time (again, which would be their 3^rd in about a decade).  Friday night’s game should be an easy victory for the Rockets, so long as they don’t overlook or play down to their competition.

James Harden’s playing at that superstar level mentally, where in his mindset, he should be seeking out revenge after losing his first battle against Sexton and the Cavs.  The Beard goes for a mind-boggling 15^th straight game with 30 or more points tonight in Houston, where the Rockets have gone 14-2, since starting the season 0-4.  Harden should have no problem accomplishing this feat, the only way it might not happen is if the Rockets jump on the Cavs and blow them out of the building quickly.  This would result in Harden getting lesser minutes and not playing the fourth quarter (potentially), all of which are good things for the team in the long run.  I expect this to happen in a Houston victory, as the Rockets should have no problems with arguably the worst team in the entire league this season.  If the Beard reaches 30 points or not again is hard to tell.  Harden’s been playing at a historic level.  It seems like if he really wanted to, the Beard could put up 30 points in the first half.

After this game, which is number 41 out of 82 games on the Rockets’ regular season slate, the finale will officially mark the halfway point of the season for Houston.  The Rockets started off slow, but as we’ve all witnessed, closed strong, against even stronger competition, after a much easier start to the season schedule-wise.  And integrated several key new pieces (House, Rivers) seamlessly.  Houston’s chemistry should only get better as the season moves along and as they get healthier as a unit.  Chris Paul and Eric Gordon’s respective returns (both coming in the near future, Gordon sooner than Paul) will make the Rockets a devastating out for any opponent.  These are all positive things to look forward to, with the second half of the season on the horizon.  A win tonight gives Houston 13 victories out of their last 16 games, mostly against playoff-caliber competition (excluding tonight’s matchup).  The Rockets look to close out the first half of the season with a win over a bad Cavs team in front of the home crowd.  It should be an easy obstacle for the Beard and company to overcome.

 

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

 

Cleveland Cavaliers (8-34) – White

 

Houston Rockets (23-17) – Black

 

TV: 7:00 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

Despite Harden’s 42, Rockets’ Surge Slowed by Bucks, 116-109

Fear the Deer.   The Worst Has Passed.   Closing Strong.

The short-handed Rockets fought admirably, yet came up short to an elite Bucks team that exposed several Houston weaknesses en route to a 116-109 victory, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.  Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo was a beast all over the floor, despite not mashing once on the Rockets’ D (a rare feat for defense in today’s NBA, considering The Freak leads the league in dunks this season).  Giannis showcased why he’s right in the thick of the discussion for MVP.  The Freak finished with 27 points and 21 boards as the Rockets contained him but as a whole weren’t the better team on Wednesday (Although Houston still has CP3 and EG out, the Bucks are healthy). Milwaukee is one of the deepest teams in the league, one of the best shooting and defensive teams, all attributes they put on display in Houston.  Malcolm Brogdon had another stellar game for the Bucks with 24 points, as he continues his breakout-season as an elite role player in the league.  Khris Middleton scored 15 and Bledsoe chipped in with 10 among other resourceful Bucks.  Milwaukee has a decent chance to win the Eastern Conference.  They’re deep, they have the best player in the conference and Coach Bud has worked wonders in his first year with the Bucks.  I still think they’ll come up short to Toronto or Boston, but Milwaukee will be a very tough out in the playoffs.  The Bucks may not be as talented as the other three Eastern contenders: Toronto, Bosto, and Philly, but Milwaukee is deeper than any of those teams, plays harder, and has absolutely no chemistry issues, something that can’t be said about the other Eastern contenders.

Good news for Houston fans: the toughest part of the regular season has passed for the Rockets.  Plenty of difficult games remain but this last 15-game stretch was by far the most difficult of the season.  For the Rockets to finish 12-3 and have the majority of those games without Chris Paul, and many without Eric Gordon, among other injuries, speaks volumes to how well the team has played and is improving as the season moves along.  Obviously, the Beard’s play has been the most contributing factor, but even Harden needs help against the league’s best.  The Beard’s 42 points would have been enough against most teams during this stretch, but Milwaukee proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the East this year.

Up next Houston, the Rockets try and close the first half of the season on a positive note with a victory over the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Cavs beat Houston earlier in one of the worst losses of the season for the Rockets.  Revenge is in store for this game as the squad will try and go out and get the 24^th win of the season.  The Rockets are an entirely different team than when they first played the Cavs.  So, Houston shouldn’t have any problems beating one of the worst teams in the NBA on Friday night at Toyota Center.  It will be a nice way to close the first half of the season strong.

Rockets Host Bucks in Clash of MVP Candidates

Fear the Beard vs. Fear the Deer.   Freak Show.   13 For 30.

The Rockets take on another top team in the Milwaukee Bucks, as Houston’s toughest stretch of the schedule comes to a close.  Wednesday night will feature a matchup between the NBA’s top two MVP candidates at the moment, in James Harden and Milwaukee’s Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo.  The Bucks’ slogan is “Fear the Deer”, and this is the best team they’ve had in decades, with the Freak being a top 5-player in the league (at minimum).  Harden and the Rockets will look to show that the Beard is more fearful when they take on a deep and versatile Bucks team that is similar in manpower to Denver, but will prove to be a much more difficult contest matchup-wise for Houston.

The Freak is a beast all on his own.  Giannis is the league’s most athletic player, and the league’s top finisher in transition.  The only weakness in his game is his three-point shot, which isn’t bad, but could be better.  Once he improves from deep, he will be unstoppable.  What’s scary is the Freak just turned 24, a little over a month ago.  He’s having an MVP-season and he still has 5-6 years left to play before he reaches the peak of his prime, which in the NBA is around age 29-31 (Harden is currently 29).  The Freak poses a matchup problem of all sorts.  He’s too big and strong for anyone quick enough to guard him, while the Freak himself is too quick and strong for any bigger player to guard.  The ultimate matchup nightmare.  The Rockets will have plenty of bodies to throw at Giannis.  Look to see P.J. Tucker on him for much of the night, as well as House, Ennis, Green, and others, as Houston tries to stop the biggest individual threat to arrive at Toyota Center this season.

James Harden looks to extend his streak of 30 or more points in a game to 14 with 30 more tonight in the books.  The Beard has 13 straight games scoring more than 30 points, and he continues to prove night-in and night-out, why he’s the MVP of the NBA.  He’ll be able to make a big statement with a dominant performance in a Rockets win over the Freak and the Bucks on Wednesday night at Toyota Center.  The Beard will need plenty of help like last game.  The Bucks are loaded with sleepers, guys no one’s really heard of, but play hard every night.  Malcolm Brogdon has emerged as their second-best player this season, as he runs the show for Milwaukee at the point.  Look for Brook Lopez to give Capela the fits, as the Bucks’ big man is a no-nonsense, dirty-work type of player, and could pose problems for Clint.  Hopefully, P.J. continues his shooting groove on his Bobblehead night, and the Rockets can pull out the victory over one of the beasts in the East.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Milwaukee Bucks (28-11) – Black

Houston Rockets (23-16) – Red

 

TV:  7:00 PM CT – ESPN,  ATT Sportsnet SW