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