After blowing out the Miami Heat in Houston on Saturday night, the Houston Rockets are back on the road. On Monday night, the Rockets will face the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.
Both teams have been impressive so far. The Chicago Bulls are 24-10, while the Houston Rockets are 23-10. For the Houston Rockets, they have been a tough team to figure out. Some games they put forth the effort needed to win, and other days they look lethargic. With the addition of power forward Josh Smith, the Houston Rockets seem to be struggling a little. The ball movement has been very stagnant, and their tempo isn't what they want it to be. Against the Miami Heat on Saturday night, Josh Smith started the game on the bench for only the second time since being acquired. Donatas Motiejunas started at the power forward spot, and was obviously a better option.
The Houston Rockets' offense moves a lot better with Motiejunas in the starting lineup. Whether Coach Kevin McHale sticks with Donatas or not as the starter is his choice. Expect the Rockets to continue establishing their offense. The Chicago Bulls are known to be a good defensive team, which means that the Houston Rockets need to make sure that their offense is clicking. Most importantly, the turnovers need to be limited. When you are playing a good defensive team, the last thing you want to do is help them by turning the ball over.
James Harden needs to have a big game for Houston. Their offense is really going to struggle without him. The Chicago Bulls may or may not have Jimmy Butler in this game, so Harden needs to be on the lookout. Jimmy Butler was out on Saturday due to personal reasons. If he is not back out the court on Monday, Harden should have himself a good night. Dwight Howard, on the other hand, needs to get involved as well. He had himself one of his most dominant games of the season on Saturday.
Joakim Noah is an excellent center for the Chicago Bulls. Dwight Howard versus Joakim Noah will be an intriguing battle in the paint. If Dwight Howard isn't hot on offense, the Rockets need to find another option.
Bench production is going to play a major role in this game. The Houston Rockets have a very deep bench, while the Bulls are dealing with some bench players being injured. The Houston Rockets' bench should have an advantage and really help take some of the pressure off of the starters.
Lastly, for the Chicago Bulls, if Jimmy Butler isn't playing, they are in trouble. Butler is having himself an amazing season thus far. He is starting to get attention from all over the NBA. His ability to score has been outstanding, and his defense has also been good. Pau Gasol is bound to have a big game, but who else will help him? That is going to be their main concern.
This game should be a good one. Don't be surprised if this one goes down to the wire. The Rockets are 11-4 on the road, while the Bulls own a 10-6 record at home. The game tips off at 8:00 PM EST.