After losing 109-99 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, the Portland Trail Blazers will now take on the Houston Rockets, another up-and-coming young squad.
The Thunder and Rockets’ formula for success over the previous few years is being followed by the Blazers. The Rockets are currently 11-5 after going 20-62 in 2021–2022, 22–60 the next season, and 41–41 the previous season.
The Rockets acquired Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Jalen Green through the draft. Additionally, they gave the Thunder two future first-round picks in exchange for the rights to center Alperen Sengun, who was selected 16th overall in 2021.
In order to mentor the younger players, Houston brought in veterans Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet two offseasons ago.
Despite shooting only 32.5% from three-point range (28th), the Rockets prevail, trailing the Blazers at 25th (33.4%). Houston’s field goal percentage of 44.4% places it in 25th place.
How? The Rockets are ranked fourth in points off turnovers (20.6), first in rebounding percentage (58%) and second in defensive rating (104.8).
The club maintains a strong 113.3 offensive rating (11th) by ranking second in offensive rebounding percentage (35.5%), which results in 18.1 second-chance points (second).
As a result, Houston’s net rating is fifth with a plus-8.5.
In essence, the Blazers will travel to Houston to play a club that has the 29th-highest number of turnovers (17.4) against a Rockets squad that specializes in playing excellent defense to generate turnovers and score points.
The Blazers’ top two point guards are both battling injuries.
Scoot Henderson (left quad contusion) and Anfernee Simons (sprained right hand) are both doubtful but should play.
Prediction: The Blazers will have a difficult game. The Blazers may have a chance to win if they can reduce turnovers, which is a plus because Houston’s offense isn’t very good. But against a squad like Houston, is it realistic? No. Consider the Rockets.
Emirates Cup: For both sides, this is their second competition match of the season. Minnesota loses against the Blazers. The LA Clippers were defeated by Houston.
HOUSTON ROCKETS PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Friday at 5 p.m., Trail Blazers (6-9) vs. Rockets (11-5).
Where: Houston’s Toyota Center.
Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM) is the radio station.
Channel: KATU Charge In Portland, the antennas are 2.1 and 2.2. Comcast: 1170 and 302. 688-1 is DirecTV. Dish: available on January 1.
Rip City TV Network is the way to watch. An HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland) will allow you to watch this game live for free even if you don’t have cable. These antennas cost about $20 and are very simple to install. You may get one at your neighborhood Fred Meyer or Bi-Mart, or you can buy one online from Amazon or Walmart and have it delivered right to your house. Here are some guidelines for configuring an HDTV antenna on your TV or other display. Use the channel finder here to learn more about the channel that Rip City TV Network is available on in your area.
DraftKings/Oregon Lottery (ODDS)
Moneyline: HOU -850 | POR +575
Spread: Over/Under:217 | POR +13.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Jerami Grant (illness) and Anfernee Simons (right hand injury) are available.Deandre Ayton (right index finger), Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain), and Scoot Henderson (left quad contusion) are not available.
No rockets.
UPCOMING
At 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Blazers will play the Rockets once more.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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