Game Details
- Tip Off: 7:30 p.m. (PT)
- Television: CSN-BA, ESPN
Houston Rockets Team Profile
- Offensive Efficiency: 107.6 (4th in NBA)
- Defensive Efficiency: 104.9 (24th in NBA)
Leaders
- Points: James Harden, 26.3 PPG
- Rebounds: Omer Asik, 11.1 RPG
- Assists: Jeremy Lin, 6.2 APG
- Steals: James Harden, 1.9 SPG
- Blocks: Omer Asik, 1.1 BPG
- Field Goal Percentage: Greg Smith, 65.1% FG
- 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Carlos Delfino, 38.8% 3PT FG
Scope the Opposition: Red94.
Preview: After losing against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets will be looking to bounce back tonight at Oracle Arena when they take on the Golden State Warriors.
The Dubs are coming off back-to-back home victories against the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings.
However, Mark Jackson’s group has failed to defeat Kevin McHale’s in two attempts this season.
Houston’s recipe is quite simple and yet Golden State has not been able to stop it. James Harden and company rely on shots at the rim, free throws and 3-point attempts to beat down their opponents.
In addition, they speed up the tempo by running at every possible opportunity, which can force undisciplined teams to follow suit.
Given the Warriors’ less than stellar defensive effort in the last month or so, it stands to reason the Rockets will have another terrific offensive showing in the Bay.
Tonight’s game will more than likely have huge playoff implications. Golden State and Houston are within earshot of each other in the Western Conference standings, thus tonight’s contest could potentially go a long way towards deciding either seeding or a playoff berth.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ victory in New Orleans Wednesday night definitely improved their postseason odds, which in turn means they are not only on the heels of the Utah Jazz but also the Rockets and Warriors.
The Purple and Gold still play the Dubs two more times this season and will close out the season against Jeremy Lin and his teammates.
The outcome of this game might be a mere blip on the national radar screen, but it will certainly affect the landscape of all the Western Conference playoff hopefuls.
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