Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat: Heat needs to hit the burners against a motivated Rockets

NBA is going about its usual business, throwing us curveballs in every way possible and turning various prediction scenarios into dust. But it is what it is, this is what itself makes the prediction scenarios so fun, you never know which team can force a turnaround. And what will be the outcome when the young Houston Rockets take on the experienced Miami Heat in the cross-Conference tussle?

The Rockets march into this affair after pulling off an impressive 111:97 win against last season’s best record-holder Phoenix Suns as Jalen Green hit 26 points. Jalen has scored 26 or more in four of the six games this month and in those games, the Rockets have come on top. The Rockets record of 9 wins and 18 losses but for a team that is full of players that are either rookies, sophomores, or just finding their feet, there are signs that can inspire the fanbase in the long-term.

While Green continues to post stunning numbers, Kevin Porter Jr, who is in his fourth year is having his best offensive season. Jabari Smith Jr, who is a rookie is having his best offensive month but has a long way to go as a top NBA player. Alperen Sengun is having an impressive campaign too but like Jabari, he has a hill to climb. Tari Eason, another rookie has made significant impressions and leads the Rockets in steals. All in all, the Rockets despite their recent uptick is bottom five in offensive and defensive rating and can down from their high anytime soon.

The Heat avoided a close loss, defeating the Oklahoma CIty Thunder 110:08 as Tyler Herro scrapped up 35 points. This was the second straight one but the team is still one game under the 50% win mark. The Heat isn’t playing well and offensively, they have been among the worst teams in the league. Even against a so-so Thunder defense, the Heat needed a big night from Herro to overcome a struggling team that too in closing minutes. Early trends aren’t promising when it comes to the Heat.

Recently, one positive has been that the team has scored 110 or more in three of the four games but they have still some ways to go. Their latest wins have been encouraging as their count involves strong teams like the Celtics and the Clippers. Last season too, the Miami Heat had a rather slow start but picked it around the midseason. Their defense was much better last season and they surely have a lineup that can be effective on that end. How will the Heat fare from here.

• Heat: OUT: Gabe Vincent, Omer Yurtseven. Game-Time Decision: Jimmy Butler;
• Rockets: OUT: Jae’Sean Tate

• Expected Leading Scorers: Bam Adebayo(26-32 Points), Jalen Green(23-26 Points), Tyler Herro(22-25 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Bam Adebayo(11-15 Rebounds), Alperen Sengun(11-13 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Kyle Lowry(6-8 Assists), Kevin Porter Jr.(5-7 Assists).

The Heat just played last night and it was an affair that went to the last seconds so some fatigue can surely be expected. However, two wins in a row can also give a confidence boost on the road against two teams that have inferior records. But after beating two strong squads in a row, the Rockets have proven they can’t be taken lightly. Overall, I’d back the Heat to win in another close affair. I predict a scoreline of 111:103 in favor of the Heat