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One step forward, one step back.
That's been the story of the 2015-16 Houston Rockets, a team that shows us tantalizing glimpses of hope and then shoves reality back in our faces. I know that I'm supposed to "be a fan" and tell you that Houston will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, but I'm not a liar and you don't deserve that.
Like the Rockets, the Milwaukee Bucks were supposed to challenge in their conference this year. With Greg Monroe joining up and Khris Middleton ascending into stardom (not to mention the emergence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and a full season of Jabari Parker), it was thought that Milwaukee would contend for a top 4 spot in the East.
Milwaukee hasn't lived up to the expectations, giving up 103 points per game while only averaging 99 themselves. What's worse is that their big trade deadline acquisition, (Tom Martin favorite) Steve Novak sprained an MCL and is done for the season. That's a tough blow for a team that was hoping for another deep threat.
It's Leap Day, and I just want to mention that the record for points scored on a Leap Day is 43 by Oscar Robertson. Hakeem Olajuwon scored 42 on a Leap Day. Maybe James Harden reads this and takes it as a personal challenge. Who knows?
Tip-off is at 7pm CST.
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