Category: Uncategorized

Rockets Aim to Silence Thunder as the Rivalry Begins

Burning Building.    Uncle Jeff and Benny Rivers.    Bearding for Brodie.

“We all believe we’ve run into the burning building. But until we feel that heat, we can never know”, Martin Donovan says in Tenet, the most anticipated movie hitting theaters 9/3/20 as multiplexes see if they can re-open and survive change brought from a pandemic. And the NBA’s most anticipated first round series finally gets under way tonight, as the Houston Rockets battle the Oklahoma City Thunder, and see is they can survive without one of their stars. The story’s been pummeled to death, but OKC’s Chris Paul, who was traded for Houston’s Russell Westbrook, gets his first chance at revenge on Tuesday night as the series begins. No more waiting. No more time to prep. At least for Game 1, time’s run out. And for the Rockets, no Russell Westbrook tonight. Houston’s superstar will also miss at least Game 2. And everyone, from local blogs to the national media, paints this picture like the Rockets are running into a burning building. But the series hasn’t started yet. And if you don’t think Russ is eventually coming back, you don’t know Brodie. I think he’ll be back for Game 3. Depending on how the first two games go, if Houston can hang on without him, Westbrook could return in Game 4.

So how will the Rockets weather the storm, for at least two games, without Brodie? James Harden needs to continue to play like an underrated league MVP, and the squad needs everyone to step up. Eric Gordon will start Westbrook’s place, and needs to find his “Splash Gordon” rhythm. EG’s no Westbrook, but Gordon’s explosive enough to create shots for himself and has the talent to provide more scoring Houston needs in Brodie’s absence. EG had a 50-point game earlier this season in Utah, in a game Westbrook didn’t play. So he’s definitely capable of stepping up to the plate.

Houston’s coach, Mike D’Antoni, will certainly put a mix of different lineups on the court, and guys need to capture the moment if the Rockets are going to weather this early incoming playoff storm. Danuel House Jr., who missed the past few games, is set to return for the squad. Besides Harden, Westbrook, and Gordon, the only other Rocket to top the 40-point mark this season was Austin Rivers, who will be one of the keys to Houston winning without Westbrook. Rivers needs to lead the bench unit and seize full advantage of the extra minutes he’ll see on the floor. Hopefully Ben McLemore can find the touch he was shooting with in the first half of the bubble. Benny Mac was on fire, but cooled off a bit over Houston’s past few games. McLemore needs to step up in Game 1. The Rockets also need the resurrection of Jeff Green, aka “Uncle Jeff”, to continue. Uncle Jeff has been a revelation in Houston, since arriving late in the season. Green fits in seamlessly and helps P.J. Tucker to give the Rockets another “center” to battle opponents’ big men. And P.J.’s hands will be full with Steven Adams tonight. OKC’s Aussie center is tough, and does a lot of the dirty work, like Tucker for Houston. Adams is the big man version of a Patrick Beverley, or a pest. Uncle Jeff has been scrappy for the Rockets and they’ll need him to counter the annoyance that is Steven Adams.

When all’s said and done, the Rockets chances of winning without Russ lie in the hands of one man: James Harden. The Beard has been brilliant in almost every bubble game. Harden finished as the league’s scoring leader for the third straight year, and also lead the NBA in steals. Despite being a guard, his post defense is actually his strongest asset, although Harden’s improved on the perimeter. More than usual, Houston will need those step-back threes to be falling. And more importantly, Harden’s going have to play more defense on the perimeter. Robert Covington and P.J. Tucker can’t guard everyone. Without Brodie, OKC presents a huge problem for the Rockets on the defensive end. The Thunder, led by Chris Paul, have arguably the best trio of guards in the NBA (CP3, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, and Dennis Schroder.) Under the leadership of Paul, SGA is on the verge of being an All-Star, and Schroder is one of the league’s best bench players. Containing OKC’s three-headed perimeter beast is key for Houston getting the upper hand in this series.

D’Antoni said Gordon will start defending Paul, but the Rockets switch so much on defense it doesn’t matter. WIthout Russ, the entire squad needs to be locked in and ready to bring maximum effort. Hopefully P.J. and RoCo’s intensity is contagious. Without his partner in crime, Harden needs to play with more fire, same goes for the entire team. Look for the second unit matchup between Austin Rivers and Dennis Schroder to be tonight’s key of the game. If Houston wants to fill the void Westbook’s absence creates, Rivers needs to outplay Schroder. How will Westbrook’s absence impact Houston? Can Harden provide more than the usual MVP performance? Have the Rockets run into a burning building of firestorm and closure that is CP3’s wrath and his Thunder-ous storm? We’ll never know. Until tonight. Let the real games begin… get ready to feel that playoff heat.

 

HP Field House:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0):  Orange

Houston Rockets (0-0):  Black

 

TV:  5:30 PM CT  –  TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Familiar Faces in Different Places:  Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder First Round Preview

Hello, Old Friend.    Blockbusted.    Revenge is a Dish Best Served… a la Russ.    

 

“What the hell happened here?, the world’s next Batman asks… “It hasn’t happened yet,” Denzel Washington’s son replies in the cinematic event of the century, Tenet. Christopher Nolan, a director ahead of (and obsessed with) time. His magnum opus is a revolutionary picture never before seen in film history. Similarly captivating to Houston’s small ball lineup for spectators when it debuted. People asked themselves, what the hell happened here? The real question is what the hell just happened here? Houston starts their playoff journey in the bubble against none other than former-Rocket Chris Paul, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. So, what the hell happened here!? CP3 was supposed to be the injury-prone old man, on his last legs, reaching for a cane as he ponders retirement. Houston shipped Paul off to OKC for Russell Westbrook. The durable energizer bunny who rarely gets injured, despite coming off knee surgery to start the season. But, as we start this series… Westbrook, not Paul, will be out with an injury as this battle gets under way. CP3 is playing exceptional basketball, pushing a young, dangerous Thunder team’s expectations to infinity and beyond. And the Rockets are once again acquainted with the all-too-familiar playoff injury bug, arriving earlier than expected this season. Houston traded Paul to avoid this exact scenario, but now it’s Westbrook with an injury to start the series. Whether you believe in bad luck or not superstars getting injured for the Rockets in the playoffs this century has been a trend. From Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, to Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, the list goes on. Don’t believe me? Look up the franchise’s history.

For the third year in a row, Houston will begin the playoffs with Chris Paul on the court… only this time, he’s not with the good guys. It’s unknown how long Russ will be absent for the Rockets, but he’s officially out for Game 1, and expected to miss at least Game 2. Westbrook is rumored to return this weekend, but only time will tell. So how do the Russ-less Rockets survive a couple games against Paul? A man hell-bent on getting revenge against the squad who swapped his abilities for “healthier” youth. Houston’s going to need Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers, both capable isolation players, to attack and be aggressive. Then Rockets also need The Revitalization of Jeff Green to continue. “Uncle Jeff” has been a perfect fit since his arrival in Houston. And against a big Thunder team, Green will be tasked, along with P.J. Tucker, to stop the likes of Steven Adams, Nerlens Noel, and other bigs for OKC. Hopefully, Benny Mac can find the shooting rhythm he had during the first half of the bubble, and others knock down open shots. Without Westbrook’s presence, Houston is going to need everyone to step up. Chris Paul is one of the smartest, if not the smartest point guard fo all time. He’s the definition of a coach on the floor. And he’s going to have the Thunder ready to bring a storm. There’s nothing CP3 wants more than to knock off his former team and rub it in their face. The Rockets have to be ready for a war. This series is personal.

Ironically enough, Houston has several players who used to play for OKC, all at the same time, in the NBA Finals. This was a decade ago and featured Brodie, James Harden, Jeff Green, and if we’re talking outside the bubble, Thabo Sefolosha was on that squad that also featured Kevin Durant. They were young guns back then, and lost to LeBron’s Miami Heat in the Finals. If those players were all on the same team today, we’d have a superteam on our hands similar to what the Warriors displayed the past few seasons, before injuries pushed them into oblivion. This Thunder team is much different, yet still dangerous to a Rockets team starting this battle without Westbrook. OKC elite’s three-headed perimeter monster of CP3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schroder is lethal. Paul has, in particular, shaped SGA into becoming an All-Star caliber player. Danilo Gallinari has also found a home in OKC, fitting into their system seamlessly as a deadly sniper. The Beard, Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers, and the rest of Houston’s perimeter defense need to be ready for OKC’s outside threat. Steven Adams is still a reliable beast in the paint, one of the league’s toughest players. The Rockets will throw P.J. Tucker, Jeff Green and others at the Aussie in battles for rebounds and loose balls.

Houston still has the best player in this series, the Beard. And they’re going to need James Harden to play at the level he played during last season’s “Unguardable Tour.” The Beard’s had a solid stretch in the bubble bubble, and for the third straight year, finished as the NBA’s leading scorer. The Rockets are going to need every point from Harden, and hope he continues to shoot with efficiency and be stellar defensively, especially in the post. Chris Paul will obviously be the straw that stirs OKC’s drink as they try and splash a storm on the Houston’s title hopes. If Harden can outplay CP3, and the Rockets are disciplined defensively, they should win this series… even with Brodie missing a few games. But it’s not going to be easy. Harden and Paul’s relationship didn’t end well in Houston, and these squads aren’t going to be the slightest bit friendly. Expect an intense, competitive series that will go at least six games. Even with Westbrook, OKC is a tough out. Without Brodie to begin, the Rockets need to be extra sharp, or this series could go the distance. Contrary to Houston’s speedy up-and-down style of play, Paul and the Thunder love to slow the game down. OKC plays at the second slowest pace in the NBA, setting up a series featuring a battle of styles. The Beard vs. The Point God. A testy battle between past teammates and future Hall-of-Famers promises to be must-see TV, one of the best first round series the NBA has to offer.

The blockbuster trade for Westbrook will be deemed a failure if Houston can’t at least beat the guy they traded him for, especially if Brodie returns and the Rockets lose. Although it’ll be tough, Houston’s still versatile and talented, with enough veteran experience to beat the Thunder. I hope. Given their title aspirations, it would be embarrassing for the Rockets to lose to OKC, a team no one considers a contender. Will Harden’s leadership be enough? Or will Westbrook’s absence, and the lack of perimeter shots punish the Rockets, and end Houston’s playoff dreams too soon? Thankfully, time doesn’t move too fast. Luckily for NBA fans, this series has yet to begin. Time hasn’t run out on this highly anticipated first round-matchup. It hasn’t happened yet. But the clock’s ticking. Buckle up… we’re in for quite an epic showdown.

Series Prediction:  Rockets in 6

Rockets Fall to Sixers,  134-96,  in Seeding Finale

The Apathetic Invitational.    Give Me Green and 37.    Final Tune-Up.

The Rockets played the Sixers for the last time in civilization’s worst year ever. Entering the final seeding game, both teams had their respective first-round matchups locked up. So if we’re being honest, Friday night’s blowout was an exhibition of sorts… The Apathetic Invitational. James Harden still looked good, keeping Houston somewhat competitive in the first half. He was pretty much the only Rocket playing to win, as the Beard’s in a groove prepping for the biggest playoff series in his storied career. A matchup against his, and Russell Westbrook… and Jeff Green… and (if we’re talking about outside the Bubble) Thabo Sefolosha’s former team… the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oh, and they all happened to play together for OKC at one point too, years ago. But we’ll touch on that in the coming days. On Friday night, all the veterans were saving their legs, prepping for the upcoming series against OKC. Houston kept it somewhat competitive in the first half, until the Rockets got blown out 134-96, to close the book on the craziest regular season in NBA history. This one went as expected, with the result having no impact on either team’s future. Although without Ben Simmons, Philly’s version of Westbrook, the chances the Rockets and Sixers meet in the Finals, is very slim.

The newest Houston veteran, who continues to fit seamlessly, Jeff Green, played impressive once again, scoring 17 points. The veteran has earned more playing time, especially considering he’s one of the tallest guys on the NBA’s Small-Ball Squad. With Westbrook bound to miss several games, Jeff Green is going to see a lot of action starting off in the playoffs against a Thunder group with a major size advantage. Matt Bullard said it on the telecast on Friday night. Houston’s magic number is 37. Why? Well, the Rockets obsessively launch more threes than any team in the league. It’s the way they play. And when they knock down at least 37% of those shots from distance, Houston is 24-1. When the Rockets shoot below 36% from deep, the squad is 20-27, including Friday night’s exhibition-style blowout. That phrase, “live and die by the three,” couldn’t be more accurate with Houston. When Harden and the Rockets are knocking down their threes (and healthy) they’re virtually unbeatable. But when they can’t hit anything from deep, they stick to the game-plan, keep launching, and more often than not… lose those games. Another reason why Russell Westbrook is so important to this Rockets small-ball squad. Brodie’s relentless ability to get to the rim at will creates open shots for Houston gunslingers from long range. However, his absence leaves a gaping hole. Without Russ, Harden draws more attention from the defense, and it’s harder for Houston to find open threes. Bottom line: the Rockets need to be knocking down their perimeter shots if they want a chance at the ultimate goal.

Let the real games begin. You won’t see games like Friday’s in the playoffs (hopefully). Friday night was just a final tune-up, before Houston embarks on a playoff journey that could define legacies. It’s about to get very, very, competitive, intense, and testy. Especially in these playoffs, after the year these teams went through, one unlike any other and that will never be seen again. And most notably, things are about to get real, real, real heated in this Rockets-Thunder series. Houston traded OKC’s Chris Paul to get Russ, because Westbrook was more durable and Paul always injury prone. Only now, it’s the other way around, with Brodie out, and CP3 licking his chops as he can’t wait to get revenge on the Rockets, who he, well, doesn’t care for Houston too much anymore. We’ll just keep it that. You all know the story. If you didn’t, we’ll touch on that later. It didn’t end well. And if it’s gonna finish bright this time for the Rockets.. if Houston can somehow manage to turn the worst year, 2020, into the best season, and make it out of the ruthless Western Conference… their opponent out East won’t be the Sixers.

Rockets Meet 76ers in Final Game Before Playoffs

We Talkin’ Bout Practice.    Cautious Approach.    Calm Before the Storm.

In the last game of the regular season, the Houston Rockets take on the Philadelphia 76ers in game that means, literally nothing. Seeding won’t change, in fact the first round playoff matchups are already set. Coach Mike D’Antoni should rest James Harden and key Rockets to ensure no one else suffers an injury. Houston can’t afford anymore injuries or they’re in deep trouble against Oklahoma City in the first round. Look for plenty of guys at the end of the bench to see playing time tonight for the Rockets. Other than Eric Gordon, who’s looking to find a rhythm, no rotational player should see heavy minutes for Houston. As Allen Iverson once said back when he played for the Sixers, in this game, “we talkin’ bout practice.”

Ben Simmons will miss the remainder of the season with an injury, and Joel Embiid is also questionable for Philly as well, with an ankle injury. The final Friday Night Fight of the season shouldn’t be too exciting for the Rockets, but certain players (Gordon, McLemore, Green) need to continue to stay hot. Health is of utmost importance, Red Nation can’t survive any more injuries. Don’t expect to see the edgiest hustle in tonight’s tilt. Houston’s first playoff game isn’t until Tuesday, so the squad has three days off after tonight’s closer. Hopefully, they can get rested and healthy before the start of a HUGE series, which begins next week.

Tonight’s game is just the clam before the storm. It’s shooting practice for Eric Gordon. And Benny Mac. And Jeff Green. And Austin Rivers. Because without Westbrook, the Rockets are going to need them to step up. Contrary to the narrative going around, I still think Houston is a better team than OKC without Westbrook. The Beard is playing some of the best of basketball of his life. But it’s not that he’s playing well, it’s what he’s changed. The step-back king shot over 50% from distance in the bubble, and averaged close to 40 points a game. Chris Paul’s having an All-Star season for the Thunder, and OKC will have the usual size advantage. But, man, it’d be a sight to cherish to see Russ wreak havoc on his old team. Friday night won’t bring the same drama, but the Rockets still can still work out kinks in their system. And one can only hope… Houston hasn’t seen the last of Westbrook in a game this season.

 

AdventHealth Arena (NBA Bubble):  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Philadelphia 76ers (42-30):  “City” White

Houston Rockets (44-27):  Red

 

TV:  8 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Indiana Outpaces Houston,  Rockets Stay Cold in Loss to Pacers,  108-104

Preseason Feel.    Pacing for Thunder.    Bad News Brodie.

In a game that really didn’t matter in terms of seeding, James Harden and the Rockets’ late rally fell short, as Houston lost to Indiana, 108-104. The Beard’s still playing in a groove, scoring 45 points on hot shooting, and grabbing a career-high 17 boards, to go along with 9 assists. The tough shots were falling for Harden, but other Rockets couldn’t find their rhythm. Ben McLemore continues to cool off from deep. Benny Mac was the bets three-point shooter over the first half of the bubble, but since has noticeable cooled off. Eric Gordon, who will now be needed more than ever in the future (we’ll get to that in a bit), came back and looked spry with nice drives to the basket. EG appears to be healthy, but his shot was rusty from long-range. Houston needs to use their last game, against the Sixers, (which has no playoff implications) to see if they can run plays for Gordon to find a rhythm. Hopefully, Benny Mac can find his touch, and get set for the playoffs. The Rockets are going to desperately need hot perimeter shooting early in their first series.

Wednesday’s result guarantees that Houston’s first round playoff opponent will be the Oklahoma City Thunder. A playoff series that features storylines abound. Houston faces off against Chris Paul, who was only just a Rocket last season, but was traded for Russell Westbrook. Did James Harden and Chris Paul really have beef at the end of last season? With Westbrook out for at least the start of this series, it’s Harden’s chance to prove CP3’s past his time, despite leading a quality Thunder team above expectations. Brodie will also be opposing his the team he represented for a decade. The question is, will he be playing? As of now, the answer remains unknown.

Midway through the first quarter of Wednesday night’s game, news broke that Westbrook, who was missing his second straight game, underwent an MRI, revealing he suffered a strained right quad. At the least, Brodie is expected to miss the start of the first round against OKC. The return of Houston’s much-needed Russ depends on how he responds to treatment and rehabs the injury. That familiar foe, the injury bug, has returned to the Rockets. It was Chris Paul the last two seasons, now it’s Russell Westbrook. From Yao Ming to T-Mac to now, it just seems like Houston has had the most star injuries around playoff time this century. And if the Rockets want to win a championship in this crazy season, they need Russ to return at full strength…something that really matters.

Harden,  Rockets,  Try to Bounce Back Against Pacers

“Warren”ting a Look.    Splash Gordon Returns.    Sneaky Indy.

James Harden returns as the Rockets battle the Pacers in their penultimate game of the regular season. Houston is coming off a beatdown from the Spurs that essentially put the Rockets out of reach for Denver and the three seed out West. On Wednesday afternoon, the second of a back-to-back for the Houston, the squad will get a look a sneaky Pacers team whose right in the thick of the playoff race out East. Oh, and they have arguably the MVP of bubble action so far, T.J. Warren. T.J.’s been absolutely on a tear, and trails only Harden in scoring during the seeding games. Russell Westbrook is resting for the Rockets, and Indy needs this game more, so don;’t be surprised if Houston drops another game in the loss column. It won’t mean anything.

What is meaningful is the return of Eric Gordon. EG’s been out with an ankle sprain, and the Rockets will desperately need him to be that third scoring option when defenses target Harden and Russ. Splash Gordon needs to use this game to start to find his rhythm before the playoffs start. Look for Benny Mac to get more looks with Harden back in the lineup, but unless the Rockets are on fire from deep, this contest is gonna be a tough.

The Pacers are one of the sneakiest teams in the league. They missed their best player, Victor Oladipo, for the entire season. But, with the coronavirus shutting sports down for months, Oladipo was able to rehab in time and recover to get back on the court. The Pacers are as threat as any team to come out of the wide-open Eastern Conference. It’s the penultimate game in the regular season for the good guys in red… let’s see if Houston can knock off one more game in the loss column for Indy.

 

AdventHealth Arena,  NBA Bubble:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Indiana Pacers (43-28):  Navy Blue

Houston Rockets (44-26):  “Classic” Red

 

TV:  3 PM CT  –  NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Short-Handed Rockets Falter, Keep Spurs’ Hopes Alive in 123-105 Loss

All Due Respect.    Quick Regroup.    Rest Before the Storm.

Russell Westbrook retuned, but without The Beard, San Antonio’s sense of urgency overwhelmed Brodie and co. The Spurs outplayed Houston from the opening tip, demolishing the Rockets, 123-105, as they try to keep their season alive. Houston rested James Harden in this one, and we got to see the first bubble action of DeMarre Carroll. Basically, this was an experimental game for rotations and lineups D’Antoni will use in the playoffs. Brodie led the Rockets in scoring, but missed a ton of easy layups and was a little out-of-control, leading to too many Rocket turnovers. Jeff Green had another solid game with 17 points. the NBA journeyman’s proven to be the perfect fit in Houston, where he’s playing some of the best basketball of his career, in his mid 30’s. Ben McLemore wasn’t quite as sharp from deep, but still had 16 points, as he’s proven to be a consistent role player for the Rockets when the playoffs get under way.

DeMar DeRozan had 23 points, as the Spurs controlled the game from start to finish. One thing they can’t control: their own destiny. San Antonio needs to win out and hope Portland and Phoenix each lose a game for the Spurs to continue their historic playoff run.

Harden got a breather with the second half of a back-to-back tomorrow against the much better Indiana Pacers. It’s a loss, but all due respect, these games happen, and with the Rockets lined up to be the four or five seed (with a slight possibility of still catching Denver for third), the outcomes of the remaining games don’t mean much. The Rockets need to focus on getting healthy, and getting their bodies in the best shape for the playoffs, which are days away.

Houston regroups quickly with a chance to put the pieces of their blowout loss to the Spurs in the past, quickly. The Rockets play another matinee affair on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. Indy is a solid playoff team out East, still positioning themselves in the best spot for the playoffs. It’ll be Houston’s toughest game left before the playoffs. Hopefully the squad regroups and gets an impressive victory.

I say impressive, because Russell Westbrook will now be resting. However, James Harden returns, which is always good news. Speaking of good news, Eric Gordon is expected to see court time on Wednesday against the Pacers. Hopefully Splash Gordon can find his rhythm quickly, as Houston’s struggled lately offensively, especially early on in games. The Rockets need EG at his best in the playoffs if they want to reach their ultimate goal. And resting’s never a bad idea, especially before the storm that is the NBA Playoffs: the games that really count … when the sense of urgency gets dialed up to the moon.

Texas Tussle in the Bubble:  Rockets Look to End Spurs’ Historic Playoff Run

Subbing Brodie for the Beard.    Historic Opportunity.    Final Western Imprint.

“That’ll be the day,” John Wayne says in the legendary Western The Searchers. Houston battles their final Western opponent before the real games start. The Rockers are yet again without key players as they face the Spurs, a team fighting for their playoff lives. Houston is searching for a way to put an end to San Antonio’s historic playoff run as the Texas squads battle Tuesday afternoon, a rare matinee affair or the Rockets. Houston is 4-1 in the bubble, Tuesday’s game begins the final regular season stretch of the season. A brutal three games in four days stretch against quality competition. The Spurs are 4-2 in the bubble, and despite their lack of talent, Coach Gregg Popovich will surely have his squad ready to go Tuesday afternoon. The Rockets will be without James Harden. The Beard isn’t injured, he’s only resting. Still, a rare sight, but a smart idea by Coach Mike D’Antoni, with three games in four days coming up for Houston. Danuel House Jr. should get the start again for the Rockets. House has been exceptional knocking down threes, attacking the basket, and most noticeably on defense, where he’s joined the likes of Houston’s perimeter pests, Robert Covington and Ben McLemore.

Fortunately, Russell Westbrook is expected to return for Tuesday’s matchup against the in-state rivals. Eric Gordon is still out with an ankle injury, but he’s expected to be ready to go Wednesday against the Pacers. If Ben McLemore, Austin Rivers, and the GreenHouse is in full effect, the Rockets should be able to take the Spurs out of the playoff picture. Something that’s not been said in over twenty years.

Houston has an opportunity to put an end to San Antonio’s historic playoff-run. The Spurs have made the playoffs in 22 straight seasons, and as a division rival, the Rockets would love to seal the door shut on any hopes for San Antonio to keep up their historic run. It won’t be easy, against a Spurs team with their backs to the walls. Gregg Popovich always has his guys ready to play, and there won’t be any blowouts in this afternoon matchup. Houston needs to feed off Westbrook’s infectious energy in order to match San Antonio’s sense of urgency.

This is the final game against a Western conference opponent for Houston. Their final two games are against Indiana and Philly. With the Nuggets losing to the Lakers on Monday night, the Rockets have a legitimate chance to catch Denver for the three seed. But, unless they can somehow get the Clippers to fall to fourth, Houston can’t avoid facing both L.A. juggernauts in the playoffs. At least by then, Splash Gordon will be back, and no one will be out for load management. Harden and Russ are two of the most durable players in the game. A healthy Rockets team for the playoffs, in this bubble, means possibilities of a championship celebration in October, as they search to claim the ultimate goal. Oh my, how sweet it would be… that’ll be the day.

 

The Field House, NBA Bubble:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

San Antonio Spurs (31-38):  Black

Houston Rockets (44-25):  Red

 

TV:  1 PM CT –  NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Cruise Past Kings,  129-112,  Behind Rivers’ Career Night

Splashing Rivers.    Mac and Threes.    Kings of the Southwest.

“A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that,” the title character says in the legendary Western Shane. The quote brings to mind Houston’s most recent victory, a 129-112 pummeling of the Kings, in which the Rockets loaded guns continue to rarely miss. Houston trailed by 13 points early, as has been the case in every game in the bubble, except against L.A. Red Nation rallied once again, regrouping in the second quarter, snuggling a five-point lead by halftime. James Harden finished the contest with 32 points, and snatched 3 steals. Harden passed the legendary Bob Petit (the NBA’s first ever MVP) on the all-time scoring-list. The Beard now leads the league in scoring… and steals. And they say he doesn’t play defense. Harden also has the most blocks as a guard since his time in the league. Don’t believe me? Look it up. This victory, however, was about much more than the Beard. Austin Rivers became the fourth Rockets this season to hit the 40-point mark. Rivers scored a career-high 41-points on an insanely efficient 14-for-20 shooting, including 6-for-11 from distance. Austin used Westbrook’s absence to continue to be aggressive, and he put that tenacity on full display against Sacramento. A willingness to make isolation plays that Houston needs in the playoffs, when defenses will focus in on Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Eric Gordon.

Speaking of focusing in, Ben McLemore continues to be red-hot from beyond-the-arc. Benny Mac finished with 20 points, connecting on 6 of his 14 shots from long range, and continues to be the hottest three-point shooter in the bubble. The Rockets are now 8-0 when McLemore hits the 20-point scoring mark in a game. Hopefully Benny Mac doesn’t lose his rhythm when the squad gets back to full strength. McLemore’s minutes will decline, which will likely affect his shooting, just not by much (I hope). Westbrook returns Tuesday against the Spurs, and Eric Gordon is rumored to return Wednesday against the Pacers.

Eliminating Sacramento also gave Houston their third straight division title. The Rockets are the Kings of the Southwest once again. All it means is the Rockets have clinched at least a top-five seed going into the playoffs. With the Nuggets losing to the Lakers, the Rockets have a shot a grabbing the three-seed, and even with a little luck, the two-seed. But, in all reality, seeding doesn’t matter, the Rockets will have to play both L.A. juggernauts (unless one gets upset dramatically in the first round), to get to the NBA Finals. It’s not an impossible task. But they need to continue to put themselves in the best position possible. With teams like Utah and Oklahoma City losing to try and avoid a first-round matchup with Houston, if the Rockets can win their final three games, the Jazz or Thunder’s plan will backfire on them. Russell Westbrook returns for Houston in their next game Tuesday against a Spurs team fighting for their playoff lives. The Rockets can end San Antonio’s 22-year playoff run with a win. Although, Houston will be resting Harden. Brodie’s return should provide enough energy for the Rockets to get an early matinee win. Look for Benny Mac to continue to the baddest man on the planet from three-point land. And Austin Rivers ain’t too shabby from distance either. Remember that.

Rockets Aim to Abolish Kings from Playoff Contention

Elimination Night.    Beware the Underdog.    Final Four.

It’s Elimination Night in Orlando on Sunday, as the Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings, trying to burst their bubble of hope. Houston can end the Kings’ playoff hopes with a win, or… pretty much put an end to their own hopes of catching Denver for the three seed. The Rockets will still be without Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon, but Houston has enough firepower to beat the worst West team in the bubble. Sacramento is young, and has a bright future, but their time isn’t now. And that could pose a problem for Houston if the Rockets continue to play down to bad teams.

Despite being the underdog, the Kings beat the Rockets earlier this season on a Bojan Bogdanovic buzzer-beater from three. Houston will be looking for revenge as they try and seal the coffin on Sac-Town’s season tonight. It won’t be easy. The Kings still have one of the best young point guards in the NBA, and arguably the league’s fastest player, in De’Aaron Fox. If the Rockets’ energy level is lacking, they could be in for a disappointment tonight. No energizer bunny in Brodie, Houston will have to find motivation elsewhere if they fall behind early, which has happened in every bubble game except versus L.A.

Sunday night marks the first of the final four games for the Rockets as we wind down towards the playoffs. After tonight, Houston still has to play the Spurs, Pacers, and Sixers, all teams still fighting with something to play for. Despite missing Russ, this is the Rockets’ easiest game left on the schedule. The three after tonight pose much bigger challenges, and in the playoffs… nothing’s easy. Hopefully Houston is blazing from the gate, a la Benny Mac, who’s been absolutely on fire and the best three-point shooter in the bubble. The Rockets need this game as the final three contests this regular season will be tough, scrappy battles. With Sacramento’s season on the line, and Houston trying to position themselves in the best playoff spot, tonight should be a lot of fun in Orlando. Strap in… it’s Elimination Night in the NBA Bubble.

 

ESPN World Wide Sports Complex:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (43-25):  “Space City” White

Sacramento Kings (29-40):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT –  AT&T Sportsnet SW