Why don’t the Rockets make 26 threes every night? If I were coaching the team, I would just tell them to make all their threes every night. Seems easy.
It’s unlikely that Houston will set the three point record again tonight, but that doesn’t mean that the bevy of triples isn’t a wanted commodity. The Rockets have set all kinds of three point records over the last two seasons under Mike D’Antoni, so it was about time they finally broke the single-game record too.
The Miami Heat are 13-16 but have won their last two games, both against Southwest Division opponents on the road. After dispatching the Grizzlies right before Houston went to Memphis, they took care of New Orleans on Sunday. So the Heat are coming off three straight off days while Houston will not only be on a back-to-back, but will have to fly to Miami and won’t arrive until the early morning. But the schedule is supposed to be better now, or something. The game is also on national television, which will allow plenty of fans to see an exhausted Houston team against a well-rested Heat squad. Hopefully we aren’t treated to that garbage Players Only crap (yes it’s both garbage and crap).
The Heat just found out that they will be without Goran Dragic for an extended period of time. Miami doesn’t have a pure backup point guard, but besides Dragic they have nine players averaging between 2-4 assists per game (if you will indulge me some rounding). So expect some good ball movement to create shot openings.
Their size inside between Hassan Whiteside and Kelly Olynyk is the biggest reason why Nene sat out against the Wizards Wednesday night. The Brazilian will be called upon tonight for sure. As for everyone else, Miami has a slew of players that have given Houston trouble, from Dwyane Wade(who admittedly has given everyone trouble throughout his career) to James Johnson. Josh Richardson was listed as day-to-day but will likely play tonight. Tyler Johnson also missed practice due to a migraine but is probable tonight as well.
Tip-off is at 7pm CT on TNT