5 Questions Ahead of Spurs vs. Rockets
The San Antonio Spurs begin a three-game road trip tonight in the Space City as they take on the Houston Rockets.
To learn more about the Rockets' current state of affairs, we spoke with Inside the Rockets editor Coty Davis.
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Q: How have the Rockets been since the All-Star Break?
The Rockets have been the same team they have been all season, an inconsistent ball club. Despite going 1-1 during their two-game series in Phoenix, the Rockets looked competitive and played like a complete team. However, on Tuesday night against the Spurs, they can come out flat and look like one of the league's worst teams.
They have put together a solid record inside the Toyota Center. But despite their winning record on their home court, the Rockets are a team that can get off to a sluggish start and find themselves down by double-digits early to the Spurs.
Q: If the Rockets win tonight, what is the reason why?
If the Rockets can win tonight, it would mean that Jabari Smith Jr. made the game difficult for Victor Wembanyama. The soon-to-be Rookie of the Year winner has been killing it over the last nine games, averaging 24.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.9 blocks and 2.1 steals.
Smith is the only player the Rockets have whose defensive attributes could contain Wembanyama. Over the previous nine games, Smith has recorded 10 or more rebounds in five games, averaging 11.0 boards while scoring 14.1 points. His best game during that span came on Feb. 23 in a four-point victory against the Suns. Smith finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds in the win.
Q: What’s one thing people should know about the Rockets that cannot be found in a box score?
I would have to say the team's perseverance. If the Spurs are up by 15 to 20 points at any moment during the game, do not get too comfortable. The Rockets have been on the wrong side of several 20-point leads throughout the season. However, this is a team that will never give up. They will always find a way to get back into the game, even though their comeback attempt has fallen short on several occasions.
Q: What’s one matchup other than Sengun vs. Wembanyama that you’re intrigued by tonight?
For me, I would have to say Jalen Green against Devin Vassell. Both players appear to be the X-Factor when it comes to their respective teams coming away with a victory. You already know what Wembanyama and Alperen Şengün will provide on a nightly basis. But if Green and Vassell can find their scoring niche early, it would be enough to give their respective team an extra lift to come away victorious.
Q: What’s your prediction for the game?
The Rockets are an inconsistent team. But I believe Houston will be able to carry their momentum from the Footprint Center to the Toyota Center on Tuesday night, which will result in a 115-98 victory.
