Houston Rockets News: October 19, 2017

Houston Rockets News

Houston Rockets make a statement with opening night defense - NBA
While the Rockets' high-powered offense gets up to speed, their improved defense, which held the Warriors to 20 points in the fourth quarter on opening night, might help carry them early in the season.

Chris Paul of Houston Rockets still dealing with bruised left knee
Eric Gordon was to start Wednesday in place of Chris Paul, who still could be ready by Saturday but coach Mike D'Antoni said, "I think he's still in play, but I think it's hard."

For the Rockets to Fulfill Their Potential, Chris Paul Has to Learn to Let Loose - The Ringer
Houston may have pulled off the opening-night upset, but not because of its star offseason acquisition

Demetrius Jackson getting ample opportunity with Rockets - Houston Chronicle
Demetrius Jackson is on the Rockets roster on a two-way contract, limiting him to 45 days with the Rockets once the NBA G League season begins. But in the Rockets' first two games, he stood in at the pregame captain's meeting with Stephen Curry at Golden State and then filled in as the backup point guard at Sacramento with Chris Paul out.

Rockets' Chris Paul still dealing with bruised left knee | FOX Sports
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Houston guard Chris Paul is out for the Rockets' game in Sacramento on Wednesday night because of a bruised left knee and coach Mike D'Antoni isn't counting on him Saturday for the home opener against Dallas.

NBA News

Gordon Hayward delivered message from hospital room to Celtics fans - SBNation.com
Hayward: ‘I’m gonna be alright.’

Gordon Hayward injury: Celtics expect star forward to make full recovery - SBNation.com
Boston gave no timetable for Hayward’s return after a ghastly ankle injury cut his Celtics debut short.

Eminem introducing the Pistons at their new arena in Detroit is perfect - SBNation.com
It’s entirely too lit.

Gordon Hayward’s injury during Celtics-Cavaliers was a cruel reminder - SBNation.com
It would be much better if athletes were the robots that we usually treat them as. If they were nothing more than the lifeless icons that we put into trade machines and fantasy leagues for fun....

Kobe Bryant to Gordon Hayward: “Focus on the mini milestones” - SBNation.com
Bryant is in Hayward’s corner after his injury.

Houston & Collegiate Sports News

Bulls’ Bobby Portis suspended 8 games for punching teammate Nikola Mirotic in face - SBNation.com
Portis is officially suspended after a practice altercation with Nikola Mirotic.

Yankees 5, Astros 0: Offense put Astros’ season on the brink - The Crawfish Boxes

Welcome to your worst nightmare...

Notes From the Texas Longhorns Basketball Tip-Off Event - Burnt Orange Nation

Things picked up after the dance contest

TCU football midseason report card: Special Teams - Frogs O' War

Jonathan Song and Adam Nunez are just two pieces to the special teams puzzle, but they’re playing great football.

Baylor Basketball in the NBA - Our Daily Bears

Five Bears are in the league

Film room: let’s go, rushing defense! - Viva The Matadors

The Mountaineers couldn’t run the ball, and there’s a specific reason

THE MUGDOWN TAILGATE: A Graphical Preview of the Bye Week - Good Bull Hunting

Your favorite collegiate satirical publication is back with another round of The Tailgate, featuring our most menacing opponent of the season: Apathy.

Sneaky Good Pod Episode 40: So You Beat Auburn, Now What? - And The Valley Shook

Fresh off LSU's big win, the boys talk about the path forward. LSU pulled it out of the ditch, now how far can the team ride this wave?

Notes from the Texas Tip-Off Scrimmage - Barking Carnival

The Texas Longhorns hosted their annual open scrimmage for fans at Gregory Gym tonight, having fun competitions (dunk - Kerwin Roach II won, 3-point - Eric Davis Jr won, dance...yes, dance - a fan...