The Western Conference battle between the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs is quite crucial. Both teams have an ulterior motive behind the game. The Rockets are looking to solidify their fourth lead with a win. Whereas, the Spurs are trying to find their way into the play-in tournament by beating the Portland Trail Blazers who are ninth in the rankings.
The teams will face each other on Tuesday 11 August. Let’s see what the two Texas teams have in store for us.
Houston Rockets Injury Report and Training Forecast
The Rockets are one of the best teams within the NBA bubble right now. They have three more games remaining and have a high chance of finishing third in the West. Since the season resumed, they have won 4 out of 5 games with incredible performances from the players. The team is very strong even if their champion, Russell Westbrook, does not play.
This was demonstrated when they beat the Sacramento Kings 129-112 with Austin Rivers scoring a record 41 points. Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon were excluded from the Spurs game due to injuries. They certainly don’t want to take the risk of jeopardizing the health of their stars before the playoffs.
With Westbrook out, James Harden is the player the Rockets are betting on. His defense and attack have both been outstanding in planting matches so far, averaging 34.3 points and 7.5 assists this season.
This means that the planned lineup will be Danuel House, James Harden, Ben McLemore, PJ Tucker and Robert Covington.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report and Training Forecast
Spurs have achieved two straight wins in their last two games against Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans. They are determined not to break this winning streak and increase their chances of reaching the eighth seed. The Spurs are on the verge of being the first team in NBA history to have made 23 consecutive playoff appearances.
DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points in the last match against the Pelicans. With his high score and an average of 21 points this season, Demar will be the one leading the team alongside the support of other players such as Rudy Gay who added another 19 points for the Spurs.
However, their defense could be in trouble with Derrick White also listed as likely due to a bruised knee. Bryan Forbes was also completely banned from the game.
For now, the expected lineup would be Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Lonnie Walker IV, DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl.
The Houston Rockets are favorites right now and it won’t be easy for the Spurs to win the two remaining games that will help them reach the postseason.
SOURCE: ESPN
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