Rockets vs. Spurs Pre-Game 12/22/18

Rockets Look for Assistance, Face off Against Spurs

 It’s not that bad.  Beard Talk.  Time to Run As One.

That one hurt.  Houston’s previous game could have been won, had they made one of their usual wide-open attempts from 3-point land. But Eric Gordon’s shot didn’t fall and the Rockets lost a heartbreaker, but they also lost part of their heart.  Their leader in the locker room, Chris Paul, suffered another hamstring injury in a career where they only seem to become more recurrent. These injuries, unfortunately for CP3, pop up always at the worst of times.  It seems.  Last year, after the Rockets were one win away from toppling their biggest goal.  And this season, just as Houston gets on a roll and garner’s a 5-game winning streak (even holding an 8-point lead).  CP3 goes down.  Again.  But all is not lost.  He’ll be back.  Only time will tell if he can find a way to avoid the infamous Rockets injury bug in a Championship window that seems to get a little smaller each day, for Chris Paul and the Rockets.  Everything’s going to be ok.  The Rockets leader in the locker room and coach on the floor is still with the team.  And Houston has that guy on the floor.  The one with the Beard, who slowly is playing with the more and more heart and intensity as each season and game passes.  James Harden’s not going to make every shot or get 30 every night, but his emergence as more a vocal leader for Houston was one of the most underrated aspects of the MVP’s entire season.  And hardly anyone talked about that, or is now.  But this season, the Beard is talking more than ever.  With CP3’s injury, he’s going have to let the fellas hear it a little bit more.  Words from a bearded-legend.  Beard Talk.  The MVP can only lead his teammates on the floor so much, he needs some help.  The GreenHouse Effect needs to be dialed up.  Look for Danuel House (the most underrated and unknown player in basketball, NBA or college) and Gerald Green to see extended minutes in Paul’s absence.  Unlike initially thought, Chris Paul is only expected to miss 2-4 weeks, although the Rockets will likely lean towards the end of that timetable.  Houston needs to be cautious with CP3, his injury has proved his chances of getting another one are more likely than not.  Hopefully it’s just not this season, again.  Or the Rockets will be in desperation mode.  Eric Gordon really needs to start connecting on shots like he missed to win the game prior to this contest.  He’ll see more playing time too.  Maybe more minutes will get EG’s shooting rhythm back, some essential to Houston’s success last season.  Tonight, the Rockets host a familiar foe in their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs. Houston’s 1-1 against San Antonio this season, with both games coming in the Alamo City.  This is a big game as both teams have 15 losses and a win would launch Houston past San Antonio in the ruthless West, for now.  The Spurs are playing their best ball of the year, having won 7 of their last 8 games.  The Rockets need to Run As One, like their team motto says.  The MVP can’t score 50 every night.  They need the crowd to get behind them, Houston’s won 9 of their last 10 games at home.  Let’s get loud Houston!  Because it’s not going to be easy.  They’re looking at the start of a brutal 9-game stretch against playoff-caliber and the NBA’s elite.  It’s time for the squad to listen to some Beard Talk, Run As One, and hope a visit from San Antonio will spur some added intensity, heart, and luck to a Rockets team that needs it now more than ever.

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (16-15): Black

San Antonio Spurs (18-15): White

 

TV: 7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW