Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves vs. Rockets 7 PM - Target Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FSNORTH
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN AM 1130
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Big Picture:
When sizing up the Southwest Division over the offseason, most pundits believed it was a three-horse race for the 2009-10 crown. Through the first three weeks, the Houston Rockets are raising eyebrows around the league with impressive victories over Portland, Utah, and the Lakers on Sunday night. The 6-5 start is even more astonishing considering Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming are out of the lineup. The Rockets play a version of small-ball while adhering to the ultimate team concept in order to topple more talented teams. Offensively, Houston is balanced and averaging 103.6 points per game, seventh-best in the NBA. Tonight, the Rockets might suffer from a bit of fatigue entering the second game of a back-to-back just prior to playing the run-and-gun Suns last night.
Backcourt:
Head coach Rick Adelman is utilizing Trevor Ariza at the shooting guard position instead of the small forward spot he played in Los Angeles last year. Houston acquired Ariza to replace the offensive and defensive production lost from Ron Artest's departure to the Lakers. In 11 games, Ariza has delivered on all fronts by averaging a team-high 18.4 points per game while recording 2.1 steals. Ariza also adds a presence on the glass for a squad that desperately needs rebounding help without Ming in the lineup. For Minnesota, Corey Brewer can match up against Ariza with roughly the same size and length. In the playoffs last year, Aaron Brooks proved to be a legit starting point guard in the NBA. Brooks is small in stature but plays big for this Houston team. With lighting quick speed, Brooks averages 18.1 points and 6.6 assists per game. The good news for Minnesota is the defensive improvement seen from rookie Jonny Flynn. Last Friday, Flynn displayed the solid footwork against the Dallas Mavericks backcourt and recorded three steals. Not only is Flynn streaking through passing lanes but he is beginning to increase on-the-ball pressure, which is a positive sign for the Wolves future. Tonights matchup at the point guard spot could decide the outcome of the game along with entertaining the Target Center crowd.
Frontcourt:
On paper, the Rockets are an extremely small team in the frontcourt. Chuck Hayes, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry form a scrappy group of players down in the paint. Scola can play with his back to the basket but the frontline mainly scores points with face-up jumpers. Al Jefferson returns to the Minnesota lineup after missing two games due to the death of his grandmother. The presence of Big Al on the floor cannot be understated. Jefferson owns a career average of 18.7 points per game against the Rockets and he will look to get back on track tonight. In nine games this year, Jefferson is searching for offensive rhythm in the midst of regaining his conditioning. Ryan Hollins and Nathan Jawai must match Houstons intensity to alleviate the rebounding and defensive pressure on Jefferson. The Wolves can increase their shot at a victory by winning the battle of the boards tonight.
What To Look For:
Phoenix outplayed Houston last night behind 23 points from Amare Stoudemire. Landry jumped off the bench to score 27 for the Rockets in their second home loss of the season. Houston has won the second game of every back-to-back this season and will be motivated to keep with up Dallas in the division. The Minnesota coaching staff believes the team has played well in spurts and now needs to put together a complete four quarters to snap the 10-game losing skid. The Wolves will have to avoid large momentum shifts in the third period to notch a victory tonight at the Target Center.
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