NBA action will see the Houston Rockets take on the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. Here we look at the match preview and where you can watch the game.
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The Rockets will take the court tonight against Blazers after defeating the Bucks and Mavericks in close games. The Blazers on the other hand will fight to keep the playoff hopes alive after losing to the Celtics.
The Rockets have looked ominous in crunch situations inside the bubble and will be aiming to catch the injury-riddled Nuggets who sit 1.5 games ahead of them and move into the 3rd seed in the stacked up Western Conference.
The Blazers will try to stop the small-ball strategy of the Rockets which has proven to be a huge hit. Damian Lillard and co. are fighting tooth and nail to clinch the final playoff spot in the west. The Blazers sit level with Spurs and 0.5 games ahead of Zion’s Pelicans.
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Expect a scoring game tonight with great scorers like James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard and a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony involved.
Where to watch Rockets vs Blazers on TV and Online?
The game can be viewed on NBA TV, which is available on both the NBA website and the official mobile app. Use the app if you wish to watch the game on your mobile, tablet or consoles.
However, in order to access NBA TV, you’ll need to buy the NBA League pass through the NBA website.
Team Preview – Houston Rockets
The Rockets will go into tonight’s clash with massive confidence after overcoming Mavericks in overtime and outlasting the Bucks. James Harden has continued with his outrageous scoring stats in the NBA bubble. The ‘Beard’ scored 24 points against the Bucks after scoring a mammoth 49 points against the Mavericks.
The game against the Bucks highlighted the importance of Westbrook to the Rockets. With James Harden guarded well by the Bucks, the former MVP stepped up and led the Rockets with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 6 rebounds.
It’s great to see how the Rockets have been brilliant at the clutch play, clinching both wins in the 4th quarter.
Rockets coverage begins TOMORROW at 7:30PM on @ATTSportsNetSW! pic.twitter.com/5zAt3YLK55
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 3, 2020
The Rockets have stepped up their defense in the crucial moments in Orlando. The Rockets came back from a seven-point deficit with two minutes to go against the Bucks to clinch the game.
Support staff of the Rockets has been amazing in the first two games, with PJ Tucker and Covington coming up with important plays whenever called upon.
Expected starting line-up: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Danuel House, PJ Tucker, Robert Covington
Also Read: Why have the NBA Ratings crashed during the Bubble restart
Team Preview – Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers will look to bounce back against the Rockets after losing to the Celtics. Damian Lillard has continued with his exploits in the bubble. The superstar has been enjoying his best statistical season so far. Lillard scored 30 points and gave a career-high 16 assists against the Celtics in a losing cause while he scored 29 points against the Grizzlies.
Carmelo Anthony rolled back the years with clutch 3-point shots against Grizzlies to drag the game into overtime. The Blazers will hope that Melo can carry on with his shooting form and support Lillard and McCollum. The squad will hope that the former Knicks star can continue on with his rejuvenated form.
Bubble Ballin’ pic.twitter.com/QsxtQTKpTP
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) August 3, 2020
CJ McCollum scored 30 points against Grizzlies while he scored 17 points and 8 rebounds against the Celtics. The guard has continued to share the spotlight with Lillard and will hope to inspire the squad to a great performance against the Rockets.
Center Jusuf Nurkic also scored 30 in his second game since a 16-month absence due to a severely broken leg. The Trail Blazers will be elated to see backup guard Gary Trent Jr. score 21 points from beyond the arc.
However, all said and done; Lillard still remains the go-to man for the Blazers and on nights that he doesn’t come to the party, Blazers struggle big time.
Expected starting line-up: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Zach Collins, Carmelo Anthony, Jusuf Nurkic
The Rockets look set to feast on the weak defense of the Blazers especially with the form of Westbrook and Harden. The Blazers will hope that Lillard puts up a great show to bag a crucial victory tonight.
