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