Game thread: Rockets vs Knicks

One night after losing a slugfest to the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers, the Rockets continue their Eastern Conference back-to-back with a trip to Madison Square Garden to battle the New York Knicks.

Despite giving up 128 points to the Cavs, the Rockets actually played some inspired defense with great effort. The Cavs were just unconscious down the stretch, and that's why they are the champs. The Knicks are coming off a 102-89 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Pistons and aren't likely to mimic the Cavs shooting 13-15 from the field and 5-6 from deep in the fourth quarter.

James Harden is coming off a 41-point, 15-assist affair and will look to keep it going tonight at MSG. He'll be guarded by ex-Rocket Courtney Lee.

Jeff Hornacek said Courtney Lee will cover James Harden tonight.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 2, 2016

The Knicks will be lead by Carmelo Anthony and youngster Kristaps Porzingis, who are both off to hot starts on the season. If the Rockets can slow down those two, they have a good chance of winning. Both teams are heading to New York from the midwest, so neither team has the tired legs excuse tonight.

Make sure to check out my man AK's preview if you haven't already and be ready for the 6:30pm central tip off.