(I think we have enough volume on the Rockets talk to start actual game threads. Our Rockets thread has gotten a little out of control and hard to follow, so why don't we keep game chatter on game threads and overall chatter on the Rockts thread. I'd like to try it out, anyways)
Big game for the Rockets tonight. The Pacers are one of those teams I'm afraid is going to run us out of the gym. Defensively, they are great at taking everything we are good at (3s, FTs, transition). Offensively, they've been struggling lately, and the Rockets have been playing their best defense of the year, so it seems like that's where we need to win the game.
Unfortunately, our best defensive asset (Bev) won't be tremendous help against the Pacers, since their PG is the weakness of their offense. Parsons will have to D-up Paul George and Dwight should do admirably against Hibbert. TJones on West/Scola is an interesting matchup to watch, because sometimes he can get victimized by crusty veterans.
Other factors -- the Pacers have lost 2 straight and are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Bobcats. The Rockets are playing their 3rd game in 4 days, having played in Orlando two nights ago.
Given that the Rockets haven't proven that they can win gritty defensive games consistently (what's their record when they fail to score 100?) and that in the NBA regular season one team flat out wanting it more can make the difference, I'll pick the Pacers to get by the Rockets in this one. I expect the Rockets to have another 20+ turnover night, but I'm also worried about the Pacers outworking the Rockets on the board and giving up lots of second chances.
Rockets 87, Pacers 95
Big game for the Rockets tonight. The Pacers are one of those teams I'm afraid is going to run us out of the gym. Defensively, they are great at taking everything we are good at (3s, FTs, transition). Offensively, they've been struggling lately, and the Rockets have been playing their best defense of the year, so it seems like that's where we need to win the game.
Unfortunately, our best defensive asset (Bev) won't be tremendous help against the Pacers, since their PG is the weakness of their offense. Parsons will have to D-up Paul George and Dwight should do admirably against Hibbert. TJones on West/Scola is an interesting matchup to watch, because sometimes he can get victimized by crusty veterans.
Other factors -- the Pacers have lost 2 straight and are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Bobcats. The Rockets are playing their 3rd game in 4 days, having played in Orlando two nights ago.
Given that the Rockets haven't proven that they can win gritty defensive games consistently (what's their record when they fail to score 100?) and that in the NBA regular season one team flat out wanting it more can make the difference, I'll pick the Pacers to get by the Rockets in this one. I expect the Rockets to have another 20+ turnover night, but I'm also worried about the Pacers outworking the Rockets on the board and giving up lots of second chances.
Rockets 87, Pacers 95