Raptors at Houston Rockets: Preview & 3 keys to victory
By Brian Boake
Now is not a good time to suffer a slump. The Raptors need a bounceback win in Houston.
The Toronto Raptors expect to be at full strength tonight against the Houston Rockets. After a hapless effort against Boston on Wednesday night, Toronto needs all hands on deck, particularly Kyle Lowry. He sat out the loss but will start tonight.
The Rockets are still in the hunt for the Western Conference’s last playoff berth, although they won’t be much longer if present form continues. They have lost three straight, two of which were roadies against strong teams, but then blew a 15-point halftime lead at home against rival Utah. Big ouch.
Their starting lineup looks formidable, but their results are most unimpressive. How can a team headed by James Harden and Dwight Howard be two games under .500? The most obvious reason is their shabby defense. They rank fourth in the NBA in points per game [PG] scored, and fourth in points PG allowed. The only teams worse on D are also-rans Sacramento, Phoenix and Philadelphia.
Harden might be the poorest on-the-ball defender in the league. He seems to use all his blazing speed on offense, and offers minimal resistance the other way. The man can score in bunches, from everywhere on the court, and leads the NBA in free throws attempted and made. He ranks second in scoring with 28.5 points PG, and is tied for sixth in assists. He also leads the league in turnovers, which we’ll return to. Harden will get his baskets; can the Raptors keep his mates under control?
Howard has never been a scoring threat of great import; his primary value is defensive. That said, he is averaging a double-double this season, so he certainly can’t be left to roam unfettered around the basket. Fouling him rather than allowing an easy bucket is a worthwhile, though deplorable, tactic. Howard has averaged 7 free-throw attempts PG, but made barely half of them.
Donatas Motiejunas is the power forward, but he doesn’t get a lot of burn. Trevor Ariza has not been the impact player I thought he’d be in Houston. I think both of them are under-utilized, which points to a serious problem with their coaching. They dumped Kevin McHale early in the season and named J.B. Bickerstaff the interim bench boss. I doubt he’ll get the permanent gig.
Patrick Beverly starts at point guard. The Rox will need to upgrade if they want to win.
Michael Beasley has disappointed several teams since being selected with the second pick in the 2008 draft. He’s done well in his short time with Houston, and will need close coverage. Corey Brewer has been a favourite of mine for years. He’s a tireless wing defender who’s big and springy enough to crash the boards.
A Raptors team at full strength should win this game, and will if they…:
- …make Harden work on D. That usually means blowing by him at every opportunity. There should be lots of drive and dish opportunities for DeMar DeRozan.
- …pressure the ball. Harden’s turnovers are a chronic problem for him, and Lowry leads the NBA in steals.
- …stay patient and grounded. Houston attempts the second-highest number of 3-balls in the league. They are going to swing the ball around the perimeter. Be ready, but don’t foul.
Houston got a huge game from Harden in Toronto and held off the Raptors. Time to return the favour; Toronto 111-Houston 104.