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How Alperen Sengun & Houston Rockets Matchup Vs Golden State Warriors This Season | NBA Cup Preview
Rockets vs. Warriors: A Clash of Rivals in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals
The anticipation is palpable as the Houston Rockets prepare to face off against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. This matchup is more than just a game; it’s a continuation of one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries. Despite the Rockets ongoing 15-game losing streak against the Warriors, there’s a sense of optimism and excitement in the air as the young Rockets look to prove themselves on the national stage in their biggest game yet.
Warriors Evolution and Key Players
The Warriors have undergone significant changes since last season. The departure of Chris Paul, Dario Saric, and Klay Thompson has reshaped the team. Thompson, once a cornerstone of the Warriors success, struggled last season, and his absence has been felt. However, the Warriors have found new strength in Andrew Wiggins, who has shown remarkable improvement. Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II have also stepped up, contributing to the team’s better performance this year.
Jonathan Kuminga has been a standout player, especially against the Rockets. His ability to knock down shots and dominate the court has been crucial. In previous matchups, Kuminga’s scoring prowess has been a game-changer, and his performance will be pivotal in the upcoming game.
Rockets Challenges and Opportunities
For the Rockets, the challenge lies in overcoming their shooting woes. The team has struggled with consistency from beyond the arc, ranking near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting. Despite this, the Rockets have found success through their defense and offensive rebounding, leading the league in second-chance points. Tari Eason’s return is eagerly anticipated, as his defensive prowess and ability to create opportunities will be vital.
The Rockets strategy under head coach Ime Udoka has focused on defense and physicality. With Udoka at the helm, the team has embraced a gritty, defense-first identity. However, the lack of a consistent outside shooting remains a hurdle. Can the Rockets shooters step up against a good Warriors defense?
As the Rockets gear up for this crucial game, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive intensity and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. The matchup against the Warriors is not just a test of skill but a battle of wills, with both teams eager to advance in the NBA Cup.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Rockets-Warriors matchup, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Analysis of the Warriors recent five-game losing streak and its impact
- The role of Andrew Wiggins in the Warriors resurgence
- Jonathan Kuminga’s standout performances against the Rockets
- The Rockets strategy for improving their shooting percentage
- Key matchups like Amen Thompson vs Steph Curry & Alperen Sengun vs Draymond Green
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) waves to the crowd after making a three point shot in against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
A strange development of last night’s first round of quarter finals matchups is that I wasn’t anticipating having my heart break for the Orlando Magic. What an effort by a team that has been told over and over again that they are both down and out, and still refuses to acknowledge the veracity of either point.
Orlando’s game against Milwaukee felt contentious, engaged, and energetic, a game with stakes. The NBA Cup has been drawing out competition across the board but I have to give the Magic credit for showing up on the stage the tournament set. That was all them, and all heart.
But enough gushing (for now), onto tonight’s final two games.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
There are a handful of athletes in the NBA, anywhere really, comfortable with playing the villain. Trae Young is one of them. Young has leaned into every opportunity to add fuel to the fire of Knicks’ fans disdain for the showy shooter, a grudge going strong since the 2021 playoffs.
It’ll be tougher for Young to take a bow against this Knicks team.
Though they were slower to get on the same page, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have synced up as maybe the best and most overpowering offensive duo in the league. The Knicks are first overall in points scored per 100 possessions since the start of this season, and second overall in their effective field goal percentage. In their efficiency differential — points per 100 possessions minus points allowed — they trail only the heavy hitters of the season: OKC, Boston, Cleveland and Memphis. Things are clicking in New York.
The Hawks have had a string of injuries, notably Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic/ De’Andre Hunter and Young himself are both listed as probable for the game in New York. The silver lining, beyond whatever happens inside Young’s brain when he gets within the municipality limits for New York City, is that the Hawks have a 5-1 record against the Cavs, Celtics, Knicks and Bucks this season — this team loves to play up. They’ve also taken a defensive jump, are 6th in the league for offensive rebounds thanks to Johnson, rookie Zaccharie Risacher has been a boon, and Atlanta doesn’t mind playing the pest.
Whether this will be the kind of number found on Broadway or off, it’ll be a show.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
What the Rockets aren’t generous about is their defence — the team is one of the most smothering defenders in the league. What they are generous about have been their fines, with head coach Ime Udoa and guard Fred VanVleet ponying up (you’ll be happy to know all fines go to charity). Houston will need all of its efforts in the former to beat the Warriors tonight.
Where the Rockets can’t do much defensively has been way out in the offensive no man’s land of the floor, the place where Steph Curry thrives. The Warriors have a 15 game winning streak going against Houston, largely because of Curry, in general, and lately because of where he capitalizes his efforts against a young team he can easily disorganize with his disruptive shooting.
Houston’s opportunities come in second chance points when they blitz the glass, in pressuring turnovers, and in playing very close basketball. The Rockets are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA and yet, they’ve made it work, digging in to make every possession matter. The Warriors are in a slump, but the duo of Curry and Draymond Green can make light work of any team when they’re on the floor, Jonathan Kuminga continues to climb, and head coach Steve Kerr’s said that Andrew Wiggins should see minutes tonight.
Udoka called the Rockets last game against the Warriors, when they were thoroughly pummelled, one of the team’s “softest games” since his arrival, so there’s plenty of incentive for Houston to take the win tonight. Those are also the kinds of games, and hopes, that Steph Curry loves to snuff out like a candle.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Roster On the other hand, Rockets GM Rafael Stone emphasizes their commitment to developing young talent over trading for a star. Read the full statement. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Rockets host the Warriors tonight in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Read the preview.(NBA)
Celebrate Here’s why Jared McCain is using his platform to highlight women’s sports. (Inquirer)
Analysis Trae Young has beef with the Knicks — this is why. (Sporting News)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Takeaways From Tuesday’s NBA Cup Games
Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers, and Fantasy Takeaways
Two of the four NBA Cup quarterfinal games are in the books, and it’s time to dissect the outcomes and what it means for fantasy managers.
One of the most pressing issues is the status of Immanuel Quickley. Despite the frustration surrounding his limited playtime due to injury, I firmly believe in his potential as a top 50 player this season. However, if you’re struggling with multiple injuries on your roster, it might be time to reconsider holding onto him. Evaluate your roster carefully and weigh Quickley’s potential against the immediate needs of your team.
Scottie Barnes’ situation is equally concerning. Although initial X-rays were negative, the possibility of a Lisfranc injury looms large. If confirmed, this could sideline Barnes for a significant portion of the season. Fantasy managers should brace for his absence and explore alternative options to fill the void.
Waiver Wire Trends and Player Evaluations
The waiver wire has been buzzing with activity, and several players have emerged as hot commodities. Kelly Olynyk’s rise in popularity is likely a response to Barnes’ injury, but his role remains uncertain. While Olynyk is a solid fantasy option, his long-term value is questionable given his defensive limitations and the presence of younger, more versatile players.
Cole Anthony’s recent performance has sparked debate among fantasy managers. Despite a lackluster shooting night, the decision to add him was sound, given the Magic’s need for shot generation. It’s crucial to focus on the process rather than the immediate results when evaluating players like Anthony. His role may fluctuate, but the potential for future contributions remains.
Click the button below to get a full breakdown on who fantasy managers should keep an eye on after last night’s games.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
Houston Rockets Offense: Jalen Green Being Held Back? + Ime Udoka On Alperen Sengun’s Slow Starts Analyzing the impact of Fred VanVleet on Jalen Green’s performance, Alperen Sengun’s efficiency challenges, and the team’s overall offensive structure. How can the Rockets improve?
Jalen Green Drops 31 & Amen Thompson Shines As Houston Rockets Get Back On Track Vs LA Clippers Breaking down the Rockets win against the Clippers, how Jalen Green’s impressive 31-point performance and Amen Thompson’s versatile contributions powered the Rockets to the win, why Alperen Sengun’s box score doesn’t tell the full story, the STAY READY CREW holding it down and more.
Houston Rockets “Soft” Loss Vs Warriors: Alperen Sengun Slow Starts, Jalen Green Struggles & More Analyzing the Rockets disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors, Ime Udoka highlighting the team’s “soft” play and the Rockets not meeting their win conditions. What went wrong?
