The Rockets take on the Celtics tonight for the home opener for Houston. The Rockets are looking to go 3-0 and the Celtics are looking to go 2-0.
Both teams will be working with two days rest.
Tip off is at 7pm CST. The game is still slated to be on CSN Houston. Remember, no links to streams or asking for streams, etc.
Matchups:
Point Guard: Patrick Beverley vs. Rajon Rondo
I'm writing this before knowing Beverley's status for the game. If anything happens, I'll edit this section.
Rondo was supposed to be out for a while, but he surprised everyone by being ready for opening night. He went 13/12/7 so I think he's okay.
Advantage: Celtics
Shooting Guard: James Harden vs. Avery Bradley
Harden hasn't been shooting poorly from the field, but he's still getting to the line and distributing the ball well so I'm not too worried yet. Harden just looks a step ahead of everyone. That might be because of the FIBA World Cup, but then I would expect D-Mo to have had a pulse in the first two games.
As it is, Harden vs. Bradley should be a feisty matchup.
Advantage: Rockets
Small Forward: Trevor Ariza vs. Jeff Green
Green is a fascinating player. Is he good? Is he really good? Is he just okay? He's an underrated polarizing figure in the NBA. Everyone has a different opinion on that guy.
Ariza has been lighting the world on fire and as long as he keeps hitting those open threes and defends like a madman I'm really going to enjoy what he's doing here. BD was right.
Advantage: Even
Power Forward: Terrence Jones vs. Jared Sullinger
I feel like I can just give the advantage based on athleticism when it comes to Jones.
If the opposing power forward is less athletic than him, like Tim Duncan or Carlos Boozer, he'll dominate.
If the power forward on the other side is Blake Griffin or Derrick Favors, then Jones usually has a terrible game.
Advantage: Rockets
Center: Dwight Howard vs. Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk actually took more shots than anyone else on the Celtics in their first game. He's a 7-footer with legitimate range that went to Gonzaga. That's like the trifecta of ways to make AK a fan. Oh, and he's pretty good too.
Dwight has to stop fouling so much. That's it.
Advantage: Rockets
Bench
Rockets: Propeller Plane, Donatas Motiejunas, Tarik Black, Kostas Papanikolaou
Celtics: Brandon Bass, Tyler Zeller, Marcus Smart, Marcus Thornton, Evan Turner
Advantage: Celtics
Prediction: Rockets win 111-98
Celtics vs Rockets coverage