Most teams look forward to the NBA All-Star break as a time to rest, regroup, and refocus. For the Rockets, in the middle of their best win streak of the season, the break could not come at a more inconvenient time.
It’s hard to be critical of a six game win streak, with a winnable seventh game against Washington before the break. In past wins I have been critical of something, mainly All-Star Dwight Howard not being a part of the offense, but he has been on fire since their win over San Antonio on January 28th where he led all scorers with 23-points and 16-rebounds. He scored 34 in the Rockets 122-point performance against the Phoenix Suns.
Even the backcourt has improved tremendously, thanks to the play of Jeremy Lin. The last six games he has averaged 13.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.5 rebounds basically coming off the bench. His only start came against Dallas in the absence of James Harden. Lin put up his first triple-double of the season against Cleveland last week (15 pts., 10 assists, 11 boards).
The Rockets got back their other seven-footer, Omer Asik after missing 31-games. He has only scored three-points in 21 minutes total in two games, but he will find his way.
Houston’s other All-Star James Harden continues to be the engine for the offense to move up and down the floor. Terrence Jones will play in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars game on Team Hill.
After the break, the team has five straight road games, starting with Howard’s return to Staples Center to play the Lakers. His first time to return to play his former team from last season.
Upcoming Schedule
2/12 vs Wizards 7:00 PM
