Rockets Face Nuggets in First Act of Tough Altitude Back-to-Back
Hardened Pains. Mountainous Task. Lesser of Two Evils.
Ever since he held a team-meeting after Houston’s loss to Portland, one of many embarrassing losses during their four-game slide, the Rockets’ vocal leader, Russell Westbrook has dominated on the court. Brodie looks to continue his recent string of strong performances, as Houston heads to Denver to take on the Nuggets for a Sunday afternoon matinee matchup. Russ may be without his running mate, James Harden, who’s dealing with a thigh bruise he suffered in Minnesota. The Rockets faced Denver only four days ago, coming away with a victory over the depleted Nuggets in the previous matchup. Denver has Gary Harris and Michael Porter Jr. back in action, so they won’t be as hobbled compared to the last time these teams met. Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap, and Mason Plumlee remain out with injuries for the Nuggets. Nonetheless, winning in the Mile High city is always a challenge. Denver will be looking for revenge from their loss four days ago. Houston has to be ready to withstand an early avalanche from the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic, Will Barton, and Michael Porter Jr. are most lethal threats for the Rockets to pay attention to on defense. Despite all of Denver’s injuries, Houston recently suffered one that could be more costly for Sunday’s game.
In Friday night’s win in Minnesota, James Harden suffered a thigh bruise, and is listed as questionable for today’s matchup against the Nuggets. If the Beard can’t give it a go, expect Russell Westbrook to do even more of the heavy lifting. Russ has been carrying the squad of late, especially in the two games since the losing streak, both Brodie-led victories. Other Rockets like Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr., Ben McLemore and Austin Rivers will all have extended minutes if Harden is on the sidelines.
Sunday afternoon begins a back-to-back of challenging proportions for the Rockets. Two games in two days, against playoff teams, in the dreaded altitude. After Sunday, Houston travels to Utah in what’s shaping up to be the season’s most difficult game. Russ won’t be playing on the second night of a back-to-back in Utah, and if Harden is still injured, silencing the Jazz looks like an impossible mission. Which is what makes the game in Denver so important. It’s the lesser of two evils, and the Rockets at least know they will have Westbrook suiting up against the Nuggets. It won’t be easy, Houston’s struggled playing earlier in the day, and it’s and hour earlier in Denver than in Houston, but the Rockets should have enough to beat the Nuggets if they follow Brodie’s lead.
Pepsi Center: Denver, Colorado
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (28-16): Black
Denver Nuggets (31-14): White
TV: 2:30 PM CT – NBA TV, AT&T Sportsnet SW