The 6th ranked (in the West) Houston Rockets will look to tame the 3rd ranked San Antonio Spurs in a delightful Christmas Day matchup. The Spurs come in with a record of 22-6 and the Rockets are 18-11. Both teams will be (barring any major setbacks), and are playing like, playoff contenders. The Spurs big 3 – Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan – have rested a couple of games in the last 2 weeks, so they should be ready to go. The Spurs have surprised many people this season, already, despite their aging trio predicted to slow down a bit this year. The Spurs are coming off a 112-99 win over the Toronto Raptors. As for the Rockets, James Harden will be a game-time decision due to a high ankle sprain he suffered a couple games ago. As of right now, Harden is not in the starting lineup and Francisco Garcia is penciled in as the starting two-guard. In Harden’s absence, Dwight Howard has taken control, posting games of 35pts and 19rebs and 29pts and 15rebs. The Rockets are coming off a 111-104 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, without James Harden.
The last time these two teams met, on November 30th, the Rockets came up with a 112-106 win. According to ESPN, the line for this game is San Antonio Spurs -7. I have a feeling this prediction lies heavily on the outcome of their Nov. 30th matchup. Look for the Spurs to play their slow/methodical style reflective of Coach Pop, and for the Rockets to play their run-and-gun style all game long under Coach McHale . Should be a good game between two Texas teams!
Rockets win 110-103.
