Game starts at 6:30 pm CT This is the first NBA Cup game for the Rockets. Ben (@The Cat) and I will go live after the game...
This is the last "freebie" Rox have they should win, after this they face a good Bucks team. Wemby has been having a tough time getting bullied in the post and lots of key Spurs players are injured. I am hoping Ime intentionally rested Adams so he will be ready to push around Wemby this game.
This isn't just a game for me. The Spurs are one of the teams I passionately want the Rockets to beat. To score, Alpi's gonna need his jumper because of Victor. Rockets should push the pace because, by himself, Victor makes the Spurs half-court defense very good. In particular, they won't need to help on Alpi when he's on the floor. Spurs will be as physical with KD as any team the Rockets face. Since they won't need to double Alpi, they will send the kitchen sink + baseball bats, pipe wrenches and rope at KD. It will be difficult for him to break out. It's gonna be on Amen, Jabari, Tari, etc to maximize their opportunities. On the other end, assuming they bring intensity, Rockets defense should be fine as long as Victor doesn't erupt. Nobody else on the Spurs scares me. Dylan Harper being out is a big deal.
Game of the season so far. Yeah we can beat bad teams, but can we beat the good ones? The Spurs are legit. A win tonight will get the attention of the league. Cannot wait!