Pre-game Hype Rockets vs 76ers (3-27-2014)

By Brett Baker | Houstonbias.com on March 25, 2014

This Thursday the Rockets will take on the 29th place 76ers. Even though the 76ers are currently on a 25 game losing streak, they have shown that they aren't completely terrible. Michael Carter-Williams has been on fire over the last 10 games averaging 15 points, 6.4 assists, and leading all guards with 9 rebounds. Thaddeus Young and Henry Sims have also been playing well as of late. Thad is averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals a game, and Sims has been a rebounding machine when given playing time. Sims has 10+ rebounds in 3 of his last 5 games.

The 76ers' starters put up solid numbers just about every night, but they can't defend anyone. They own the worst defense in the NBA, and once MCW, Thad Young, and Sims come out of the game, they have no one to rebound the ball. Dwight Howard should dominate with ease on Thursday. James Harden has scored 28+ points in 4 of his last 5 games and averaging 6 assists over that span. Harden will have no problem putting up 30 points vs the 76ers. He will be guarded by former Houston Rocket, James Anderson, who was released because of his lack of defensive skill. Terrence Jones is another Rocket that should have a monster game on Thursday. T-Jones plays significantly better at home (like most young players), and the 76ers are the worst team at defending the PF position. 

The Rockets also have a little bit of trouble defending the PF position, which means Thad Young could be in for a big scoring night. However, it won't be enough to carry his team to victory. Patrick Beverley should keep MCW in check, and the Rockets bench will finish them off halfway through the 3rd quarter. Look for Donatas Motiejunas and Jeremy Lin to put up solid numbers as they will get plenty of playing time when the game gets out of hand. 

Overall you can expect a back and forth scoring battle between Terrence Jones and Thaddeus Young, a superstar performance from James Harden, a ton of rebounds for Dwight Howard, and another Houston Rockets win. 

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