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Houston Rockets vs. Brooklyn Nets game preview

The Rockets take on the Nets for the first time since they moved the Brooklyn. The game will take place in Houston though.

High five!
High five!
USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets Tickets

Apparently the Rockets are playing what is called a "home" game tonight. I'm not really sure, but I'm pretty sure that means they're playing on the road.

In a vacuum, you've got to like the Rockets chances tonight. The good guys are coming off a morale-boosting win over a team that sent them into a slump. The Nets are coming off a 24 point loss last night to the Grizzlies and will be getting into Houston later than the Rockets most likely.

But games aren't playing in a vacuum. The Nets are 10-2 in January even with that loss and have been playing much better with P.J. Carlisemo.

The Rockets are approximately 2-10,000 in January and who's the coach again? Am I saying that right? "Coach?"

Sidebar: what does it mean when the other team doesn't score over 100 points? I'm just not used to seeing it. I've heard legends that it's possible, but that's like a "Yeah, the Elder Wand does exist" kind of myth right?

It's Saturday, so it's one sentence matchups day!

Tip off is at 7pm CST.

Matchups:

Point Guard: Jeremy Lin vs. Deron Williams

Lin played extremely well against the Hornets, but still got stuck in the lane on his drives more than I would have liked, which is picking nits really.

Advantage: Nets

Shooting Guard: James Harden vs. Joe Johnson

Remember when Rockets fans wanted Morey to throw $120 million at Johnson (you know who you are)?

Advantage: Rockets

Small Forward: Chandler Parsons vs. Gerald Wallce

Ultra-intriguing matchup between two small forwards that can do a little bit of everything.

Advantage: Even

Power Forward: Patrick Patterson vs. Reggie Evans

Evans has always been a monster on the boards, but if Patterson gets his groove back we're in for a treat.

Advantage: Rockets

Center: Omer Asik vs. Brook Lopez

After facing Robin, Omer takes on Batman Brook tonight.

Advantage: Nets

Bench

Rockets: Toney Douglas, Carlos Delfino, Greg Smith, Marcus Morris, Patrick Beverley

Nets: Kris Humphries, Andray Blatche, C.J. Watson, MarShon Brooks, Keith Bogans

Advantage: Even

Prediction: Rockets win 103-94