Victories have been commonplace each time the Houston Rockets communicate. Holding a 17-8 document for second place within the Western Convention, the Rockets are poised for one among their finest seasons in recent times. It isn’t like they’re beating strange groups both; Ime Udoka’s crew has already crushed some powerhouses. It is secure to say that the younger core of the crew is lastly coming into their very own. They construct a rugged identification that revolves round protection and breaking glass. And at present they’ve an excellent likelihood of profitable the NBA Cup.
Following a (slightly controversial) victory in opposition to the Golden State Warriors final Wednesday, the Rockets booked a ticket to the NBA Cup semi-finalsthe place they are going to face the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (19-5) Saturday. Because the file signifies, the Thunder is the one one forward of the Rockets within the West rating. The 2 groups have already met twice this season, every holding a victory over the opposite. This might be one other battle between the 2 finest defenses within the league, making it a deal with for followers who respect bodily and hard-nosed kinds of play.
Both approach, there are a number of explanation why the Rockets will spring a shock this weekend.
The Rockets will crush their opponents on the boards
If there’s one apparent benefit Houston holds over Oklahoma Metropolis, it is rebounding. The Rockets are the very best rebounding crew within the league, shoot 49.4 boards per recreationin line with NBA.com. They lead the league in offensive rebounds (13.9 per recreation) and are second in defensive rebounds.
All of it begins with Alperen Sengunwho’s at present averaging 10.6 rebounds per recreation. Behind him, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason all handle a minimum of six rebounds per recreation every. Add in that backup facilities comparable to Steven Adams and Jock Landale have a knack for breaking the glass regardless of restricted minutes and it is not arduous to see why the Rockets are giving the Rockets complications – and aches, too – to opposing large males.
Examine that to the Thunder, who’re a middle-of-the-pack crew when it comes to rebounding numbers. The current addition of Isaiah Hartenstein might have strengthened Oklahoma Metropolis’s entrance line, however a lot of the duty at present falls on him with Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams sidelined. Jaylen Williams gives help, however exterior of his beginning 5, the Thunder do not actually have any notable gamers who just like the glass. Of their December 1 matchup, the Rockets dominated the Thunder, 51-46. Houston additionally pulled down extra offensive boards as Sengun and Smith Jr. mixed for 28 rebounds (14 every) en path to the victory.
Oklahoma Metropolis might boast extra firepower offensively, however the Rockets can use their measurement and athleticism as a bonus to eliminate first.
Nothing can cease Alperen Sengun
Associated Houston Rockets InformationArticle continues beneath
With Jalen Inexperienced having an up and down season, the Rockets will undoubtedly proceed to make use of Sengun as a focus on offense. The middle continues to shine, placing up 18.8 factors per recreation along with his aforementioned 10.6 rebounds.
As for the Thunder’s depleted entrance line, Hartenstein will probably have his fingers full guarding Sengun all night time. There isn’t a one else on Oklahoma Metropolis’s roster who might be positioned over the Turkish star with out being referred to as a mismatch. The very fact is that Hartenstein cannot do a lot, figuring out how troublesome it’s to include Sengun. Of their final recreation in opposition to one another, Sengun had a double-double of 20 factors on 14 boards regardless of Hartenstein taking part in half-hour. As well as, Sengun simply scored 26 factors in opposition to the Warriorsso there may be good momentum on his aspect.
If the Thunder resolve to double-team Sengun, it is going to lead to an open man. Each different Rockets starter is able to taking pictures threes, and Sengun himself has a knack for locating cutters and open teammates even underneath heavy strain.
So long as their large man exhibits up on Saturday, the Rockets have an excellent likelihood of guaranteeing an upset is within the books.
