After a tumultuous week that included a loss to the lowly Nets, LeBron James claimed the Cavaliers are ready to make a run at the title. Not something you’d expect after that, but the King lived up to his words with a triple-double performance Saturday. Cleveland goes for some fine-tuning before the postseason begins and can deliver a blow to the Rockets’ postseason chances.
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SCHEDULING
It looks more and more like the Rockets want to avoid the playoffs after dropping their fourth game in the past five with Sunday’s loss at Indiana. They finish a two-game road trip Tuesday in Cleveland before ending the season with five of seven at home, so there is hope. But if the Rockets fail to win on the road, it won’t matter how the schedule plays out in the end. Houston has dropped its last four games on the road, its worst in a single season since a six-game slide in 2012-13.
Coming off an awful loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, coach Tyronn Lue said he challenged his guys to be more physical on the defensive end and they accepted. The result was a 107-93 victory that temporarily erased the bad memories of that loss to the Nets and a 21-point beating by Miami just over a week ago. Home wins over Denver and Milwaukee were inside those defeats leaving some wondering how committed this team is. Well, worry no more. Just before the Knicks game, LeBron James said he feels the Cavs have enough to win the title. He then went and proved it with a triple-double against New York.
INJURIES
The Rockets have been without Terrence Jones for a few weeks as he continues to recover from a respiratory illness. Otherwise Houston is a relatively healthy group.
Point guard Mo Williams made his return to the Cavaliers lineup Saturday after missing the previous 16 games with a knee injury. Williams played over 13 minutes as backup to Matthew Dellavedova with Kyrie Irving getting the night off. Lue has been giving his regulars a breather and it’s possible James or Kevin Love sits on Tuesday.
KEY MATCHUP
For the second consecutive game Rockets guard James Harden played the entire second half. The NBA leader in minutes played per game went 44 minutes Sunday against the Pacers, scoring 34 points with eight rebounds and eight assists. Unlike the Cavs, who have a playoff spot secured and will periodically rest starters, Houston doesn’t have that luxury and interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he will have to play Harden heavy minutes, relying on time off between games to get him rest. The extended time on the floor hasn’t affected Harden too much and he says he prefers to be out there. With more minutes comes increased production, at least that’s the Rockets hope. Harden has scored at least 24 points in each of the past seven games and topped 30 three times, including the last two. He posted a triple-double with 32 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a win over Toronto on Friday and appears to be dialed in.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Good luck trying to figure out the Rockets this NBA season. With just a handful of games remaining I don’t think they know who or what they are. The playoffs are still within their grasp, but that’s little consolation with a first-round matchup with the Spurs or Warriors awaiting, and that‘s if Houston qualifies, which is not a guarantee. The Rockets have a favorable schedule down the stretch with five of their remaining seven at home after the Cavs game, with the final four against the West’s bottom-feeders, so there’s a chance to make up some ground. But the inconsistency has plagued Houston all season and it’s hard to imagine that changing with just seven games remaining. The Rockets were pummeled 91-77 by the Cavs on Jan. 15 with Harden limited to 11 points and zero threes. More is obviously needed from him to get a win, but even if Harden does breakout, his mates haven’t contributed much lately.
Cleveland 105, Houston 99
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