After 3 straight seasons with not more than 22 wins, the Houston Rockets shocked lots of people final yr and completed the season with 41 wins. Below new head coach Ime Udoka, capturing guard Jalen Inexperienced and do-it-all large man Alperen Sengun had one of the best seasons of their younger careers, whereas the addition of veterans Fred VanFleet and Dillion Brooks introduced a much-needed vet presence to a workforce stuffed with gamers 25 and youthful. Below Udoka, the Rockets completed the season high 10 in defensive effectivity and have loads of potential to construct a succesful offense this season as properly. They’re coming off a house win Monday night time in opposition to a New York Knicks workforce that’s thought of within the combine for a Finals berth.
For the San Antonio Spurs, they’d certainly like to see their younger core take off and handle a .500 season. The membership nonetheless isn’t complete to begin Victor Wembanyama’s sophmore season, with Devin Vassell and Tre Jones nonetheless out, and their absence has positively been felt within the early going. But it surely doesn’t cease with these two: Jeremy Sochan performed simply 12 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and even head coach Gregg Popovich is presently sidelined. Fortunately, there’s loads of season left to get issues on observe, however whether or not or not the Spurs exceed expectations this yr comes all the way down to successful match-ups like this, in opposition to different up-and-comers.
San Antonio Spurs (3-4) at Houston Rockets (4-3)
November sixth 2024 | 7:00 PM CT
Watch: | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Tre Jones, ankle (OUT), Devin Vassell, foot (OUT), Jeremy Sochan, thumb (OUT)
Rockets Accidents: Dillon Brooks, sickness (questionable), Steven Adams, knee (OUT)
What to look at for
In 3 video games in opposition to the Spurs final season, Sengun averaged 28 factors, 13 rebounds, and almost 5 assists on 58% capturing from the sphere. The 6’11 large is a key hub for Houston on offense, a formidable post-up participant and a really succesful and keen passer. In match-ups previous, Ime Udoka has gone with Dillon Brooks as Victor Wembanyama’s primary defender, saving Sengun’s vitality on that finish of the ground. It’s a method that the Houston head coach is certain to go to as soon as once more if Brooks can play tonight.
Wembanyama averaged just a bit below 15 factors within the 4 match-ups with Houston final season. He’s stepped it up his final 3 video games after that dud in opposition to OKC, with first the 5×5 sport after which almost choosing up a triple double within the loss to the Clippers on Monday with 22 factors, 13 rebounds, and 9 blocks (!!!). An enormous night time from the younger Frenchman may silence Brooks and the Houston devoted.
It was introduced final night time that Jeremy Sochan fractured his thumb within the Clippers’ loss, an damage that may require surgical procedure. Down 2 projected starters now, who the teaching workers decides to fit into the beginning lineup is anybody’s guess. Maybe they throw Malaki Branham into the combination and attempt to maximize their capturing?
For the Rockets fan’s perspective, please go to The Dream Shake.
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