Game preview: San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets

After three straight seasons with no more than 22 wins, the Houston Rockets surprised many last year by finishing the season with 41 wins. Under new head coach Ime Udoka, shooting guard Jalen Green and all-rounder Alperen Sengun enjoyed the best seasons of their young careers, while the addition of veterans Fred VanFleet and Dillion Brooks gave the team a much-needed veteran presence, full of players 25 and younger. Under Udoka, the Rockets finished the season in the top 10 in defensive efficiency and have plenty of potential to build a capable offense again this season. They are coming off a home win on Monday night against a New York Knicks team that is in contention for a Finals berth.

The San Antonio Spurs would certainly be happy to see their young core take off and produce a .500 season. The club is still not ready to start Victor Wembanyama's second season with Devin Vassell and Tre Jones still missing, and their absence was definitely felt early on. But it doesn't stop there: Jeremy Sochan only played 12 minutes in Monday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and even head coach Gregg Popovich is currently out. Luckily, there's still plenty of time to get things in the right direction, but whether or not the Spurs exceed expectations this year will depend on whether they win duels like this against other up-and-coming players.

San Antonio Spurs (3-4) at Houston Rockets (4-3)

November 6, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. CT

View: | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spore injuries: Tre Jones, ankle (OUT), Devin Vassell, foot (OUT), Jeremy Sochan, thumb (OUT)

Missile injuries: Dillon Brooks, illness (questionable), Steven Adams, knee (OUT)

What you should pay attention to

• In three games against the Spurs last season, Sengun averaged 28 points, 13 rebounds and nearly 5 assists while shooting 58% from the field. The 1.90 meter tall man is an important offensive pillar for Houston, an impressive post-up player and a very capable and willing passer. In recent meetings, Ime Udoka has deployed Dillon Brooks as Victor Wembanyama's primary defender, conserving Sengun's energy at that end of the floor. It's a strategy the Houston head coach is sure to employ again if Brooks is able to play tonight.

• Wembanyama averaged just under 15 points in four games against Houston last season. In the last three games after that dud against OKC, he played his best, first in the 5×5 game and then in Monday's loss to the Clippers, he nearly hit a triple double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 9 blocks (!!!). . A big night from the young Frenchman could silence Brooks and the Houston fans.

• Last night it was announced that Jeremy Sochan broke his thumb in the Clippers' loss, an injury that will require surgery. Since there are now two projected starters, it is unclear who the coaching staff will include in the starting lineup. Maybe they throw Malaki Branham in and try to maximize their shots?

From a Rockets fans perspective, please visit The Dream Shake.

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