After a challenging win in Orlando, the Houston Rockets are set to face the Miami Heat in South Beach just 40 hours later, which presents a daunting challenge. Fortunately for the Rockets, former star James Harden is no longer on the roster, potentially easing some pressure.
The Heat currently hold a record of 31-29 and are looking to rebound after suffering consecutive losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. Known for their fast-paced offensive style, Miami leads the league in both the number of shots taken and the shooting percentage. Their defense is equally formidable, ranking fourth overall and excelling at securing defensive rebounds.
With Norman Powell sidelined due to injury from the Sixers game, the Heat’s offensive strategies are likely to focus on key players such as Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and the ever-reliable Tyler Herro.
Historically, early games have not favored the Rockets, who have struggled regardless of their lineup. Given Miami’s recent losses, they are expected to approach this matchup with intent and determination. Should the Rockets fail to start strong, they could find themselves in a challenging position early on.
The game is set to tip off at 2:30 PM CT and can be watched on Space City Home Network and Amazon Prime Video.
In the injury report, the Rockets are without Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, and Jabari Smith Jr. Meanwhile, the Heat will be missing Norman Powell and have Nikola Jovic listed as game-time decision.
As the Rockets gear up for this pivotal game, they will look to improve their performance against a tenacious Heat squad before heading to Washington D.C. on Monday night to take on the Wizards. This provides an opportunity for the Rockets to build some momentum in a tightly contested league.