Rockets Set to Ignite as Pistons Rev Into H-Town
Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, not far removed from being Clippers’ teammates, meet on the court for the first time this season. Since departing L.A., there’s always been tension when these two stars are on the same court, even though one or the other often happens to be injured when their teams stand to face off. Tonight, both players will be in full gear, leading teams that are both on the upside. The Pistons have won 2 straight, including an impressive win in Toronto over the Raptors, the team currently with the league’s best record. The Rockets have won 4 straight games themselves. The difference between these teams’ “upside” is the state of their seasons and respective ceiling for potential. Detroit is going to motor along, they have a great shot a making the playoffs in the weaker, Eastern Conference, although their best-case scenario is a first round playoff exit. Worst case they don’t make the playoffs. Houston on the other hand, looks ready to blast up the crowded bloodbath that is the 2018/2019 Western Conference, and re-stake their claim as Championship contenders and the biggest threat to Golden State’s demise. Tonight’s game is the first of a rare home-and-home with the Pistons (Houston plays in Detroit on Friday) and the Rockets would love to do nothing more than slow Detroit’s recent upswing en route to booking their 5th consecutive victory. This Pistons team is not to be overlooked in anyway. They boast reigning Coach of the Year, Duane Casey, who was questionably fired by the Toronto Raptors in the offseason. Casey’s imprint is already being seen on this Detroit team. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul each make the other’s blood boil and will meet for the first time on the same court wherein neither is rocking Clippers threads. The Pistons have one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. Blake Griffin’s partner in crime, center Andre Drummond has been one of the best rebounding, defensive, and all around interior-oriented big-men in the league for the last few seasons. Clint Capela will have his hands full trying to box out Drummond and prevent Griffin finishing at the rim. Capela is coming off his best game of the season (23 points, 16 rebounds vs. Kings) and should be up for the challenge. Chris Paul will undoubtedly be hungry to deal a loss to his former teammate turned rival. Unable to find him in the infamous “locker room tunnel incident” from last season at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CP3 and the Rockets will try and avenge that incident by dealing a blow to Blake’s Pistons’ motors. Houston aims to continue its winning streak and keep the season’s recent positive momentum moving forward.
Toyota Center – Houston, Texas
7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet