Texas Tussle in the Bubble: Rockets Look to End Spurs’ Historic Playoff Run
Subbing Brodie for the Beard. Historic Opportunity. Final Western Imprint.
“That’ll be the day,” John Wayne says in the legendary Western The Searchers. Houston battles their final Western opponent before the real games start. The Rockers are yet again without key players as they face the Spurs, a team fighting for their playoff lives. Houston is searching for a way to put an end to San Antonio’s historic playoff run as the Texas squads battle Tuesday afternoon, a rare matinee affair or the Rockets. Houston is 4-1 in the bubble, Tuesday’s game begins the final regular season stretch of the season. A brutal three games in four days stretch against quality competition. The Spurs are 4-2 in the bubble, and despite their lack of talent, Coach Gregg Popovich will surely have his squad ready to go Tuesday afternoon. The Rockets will be without James Harden. The Beard isn’t injured, he’s only resting. Still, a rare sight, but a smart idea by Coach Mike D’Antoni, with three games in four days coming up for Houston. Danuel House Jr. should get the start again for the Rockets. House has been exceptional knocking down threes, attacking the basket, and most noticeably on defense, where he’s joined the likes of Houston’s perimeter pests, Robert Covington and Ben McLemore.
Fortunately, Russell Westbrook is expected to return for Tuesday’s matchup against the in-state rivals. Eric Gordon is still out with an ankle injury, but he’s expected to be ready to go Wednesday against the Pacers. If Ben McLemore, Austin Rivers, and the GreenHouse is in full effect, the Rockets should be able to take the Spurs out of the playoff picture. Something that’s not been said in over twenty years.
Houston has an opportunity to put an end to San Antonio’s historic playoff-run. The Spurs have made the playoffs in 22 straight seasons, and as a division rival, the Rockets would love to seal the door shut on any hopes for San Antonio to keep up their historic run. It won’t be easy, against a Spurs team with their backs to the walls. Gregg Popovich always has his guys ready to play, and there won’t be any blowouts in this afternoon matchup. Houston needs to feed off Westbrook’s infectious energy in order to match San Antonio’s sense of urgency.
This is the final game against a Western conference opponent for Houston. Their final two games are against Indiana and Philly. With the Nuggets losing to the Lakers on Monday night, the Rockets have a legitimate chance to catch Denver for the three seed. But, unless they can somehow get the Clippers to fall to fourth, Houston can’t avoid facing both L.A. juggernauts in the playoffs. At least by then, Splash Gordon will be back, and no one will be out for load management. Harden and Russ are two of the most durable players in the game. A healthy Rockets team for the playoffs, in this bubble, means possibilities of a championship celebration in October, as they search to claim the ultimate goal. Oh my, how sweet it would be… that’ll be the day.
The Field House, NBA Bubble: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
San Antonio Spurs (31-38): Black
Houston Rockets (44-25): Red
TV: 1 PM CT – NBA TV, AT&T Sportsnet SW