The Raptors vs Rockets Scrimmage is one of the three restart games today. Here we look at the match preview, team news and live streaming details.
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The Rockets have constantly been in the news during the lockdown for all the wrong reasons. With superstar Russell Westbrook will not be ready to play the game, the fans will get to see the team with a fresh tactical setup.
All the scoring onus will be on James Harden, who has off late been criticised for his isolation offence, as that doesn’t largely help the team. However, the small ball Rockets team have emerged more of a ‘team setup’ this year and are the dark horses for the NBA title.
The defending champions on the other hand are second on the Eastern conference standings. Although many touted Raptors to fall down the pecking order after all-star Kawhi Leonard left for the Clippers, the defending champions have been brilliant this season.
Rockets vs Raptors Scrimmage Live Stream and TV Schedule
Fans all across the world can watch the Raptors vs Rockets Scrimmage on NBA TV with the help of their NBA League Pass. The game begins at 7:30 PM ET.
NBA TV is accessible through the NBA website and the official app. For users who don’t have the NBA League pass, can take advantage of the ‘free-trial’, as per the offers in your specific country.
In Canada, viewers can catch the action on TSN.
All three scrimmage games involving the Rockets can also be listened to via SportsTalk 790, the team’s flagship radio station in Houston.
The scrimmage games will be dealt with caution by all teams as the coaches don’t want any of their star players injured before the NBA re-start. Expect the reserves to be in action today, with the big names just getting enough match minutes.
Rockets vs Raptors Scrimmage Team News
Rockets will be without the services of Russell Westbrook for tonight’s scrimmage, as he hasn’t attained complete match fitness yet. However, Rockets have been heavily encouraged by how well he has taken to the NBA Bubble training. Even squad player Bruno will seemingly miss the scrimmage tonight.
Raptors on the other hand will expect to rotate their starters and give minutes to the role players. Led ably by Siakam and Lowry, the Raptors will look on to build upon their successful campaign so far.
Rockets available roster: James Harden, PJ Tucker, Eric Gordon, Carroll, Tyson Chandler, Chris Clemons, Robert Covington, Michael Frazier, Jeff Green, Danuel House Jr, Ben Mclemore.
Raptors available roster: Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka,Fred VanVleet, Anunoby, Chris Boucher, Oshae Brissett, Terence Davis, Marc Gasol, Dewan Hernandez, Rondae, Stanley Johnson, Patrick McCaw, Malcolm Miller, Norman Powell, Matt Thomas, Paul Watson.
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What to expect from both the teams heading into the restart?
The Rockets are currently tied for the 5th seed with the Thunders. All-star duo Harden and Westbrook will hope to win their first NBA titles and remove the asterisks surrounding their prolific scoring careers.
The team’s decision to go small has been a great one as it helps all-star Westbrook to drive to the rim at will. Harden needs to continue what he is doing and also help ‘Brodie’ with what he does best.
Raptors have pleasantly surprised everyone this season, using their team bonding to great effect on the court. They have moved the ball around and haven’t depended on one scorer to take the hom.e Although a lack of a top-tier superstar might hurt them in the playoffs, Siakam has proven capable of leading them so far.
With so many superstars on display today, expect a brilliant offensive game tonight. Both teams will take it light on the defense in order to avoid injuries.
Also read: Know more about NBA games today.
