Game Preview: Wizards vs. Rockets


December 12, 2012 | 8:00 pm | TV: CSN | Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM | Gameday Blog | Game Notes | Live Chat

Preview

After getting their first road win of the season last night in New Orleans, the Wizards are back at tonight when they take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center (8:00 pm | TV: CSN | Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM).

The Rockets are coming off a tough overtime loss to the Spurs Monday night, where point guard Jeremy Lin scored a season-high 38 points. Their other key off-season acquisition, James Harden, sat out of Monday’s game with an ankle injury and is questionable to play tonight.

The Rockets have scored over 100 points in six of their last eight games, over 110 points in four of those games, and over 120 points in three of them. They are a team that can score and they can do it quickly, so the Wizards will need to play the game at their pace.

Jordan Crawford has shifted over to the point guard spot and flourished last night, leading the Wizards with 26 points, six rebounds and four assists. He will have an intriguing matchup tonight as he goes up against Jeremy Lin. Look for both these guys to fill the stat sheets tonight.

The action kicks off at 8pm.

Wizards (3-15)

vs.

Rockets (9-11)

90.3
PPG
104.5
42.6
RPG
44.1
20.4
APG
22.7
.407
FG%
.437
.443
OPP FG%
.465
.313
3PT FG%
.357
.746
FT%
.770
15.2
TO
16.6
3-7
Last 10
5-5

Key Matchup

Jordan Crawford

vs.

Jeremy Lin

14.8
PPG
11.3
3.6
RPG
4.2
3.9
APG
6.1
.413
FG %
.395

Jordan Crawford has turned it on recently, scoring in double figures in seven straight games and eclipsing the 20 point plateau in three of the last four. With the abundance of injuries to Wizards’ point guards, he has moved over into that role. He has shown an ability to both distribute the basketball and score it, which gives Randy Wittman plenty of confidence to trust him running the show for the Wizards.

Jeremy Lin burst onto the NBA scene last year with the Knicks, but now has made a home in Houston with the Rockets. In 20 games, he is averaging 11.3 points, and 6.1 assists. He is an entertaining player to watch and is a guy who likes to keep his dribble alive to set up other teammates near the rim. He’s not a great shooter, but can knock down a jumper if left open. He really does his damage when he slices his way to the lane and either scores or sets up teammates, so the Wizards will need to keep him out of the paint to be successful .

In the below clip, Jordan Crawford scores a difficult three-point play in last night's game vs. the Hornets.

In this clip, Jordan Crawford talks about getting the first road win of the year.

Rockets Projected Starters


G - Jeremy Lin | 6-3 | 200 lbs
PPG: 11.4 | RPG: 4.2 | APG: 6.1


G- James Harden | 6-5 | 220 lbs
PPG: 24.7 | RPG: 4.4 | APG: 5.6


F- Chandler Parsons | 6-9 | 227 lbs
PPG: 15.6 | RPG: 6.5 | APG: 3.5


F- Patrick Patterson | 6-9 | 235 lbs
PPG: 13.4 | RPG: 4.9 | APG: 1.4


C- Omer Asik | 7-0 | 255 lbs
PPG: 10.7 | RPG: 11.4 | APG: 1.3

Wizards Projected Starters


G - Jordan Crawford | 6-4 | 195 lbs
PPG: 14.8 | RPG: 3.6 | APG: 3.9


G- Bradley Beal | 6-5 | 207 lbs
PPG: 11.9 | RPG: 3.6 | APG: 2.2


F- Martell Webster | 6-7 | 230 lbs
PPG: 8.3 | RPG: 3.4 | APG: 1.2


F- Chris Singleton | 6-9 | 225 lbs
PPG: 5.4 | RPG: 3.9 | APG: 0.8


C- Emeka Okafor | 6-10 | 250 lbs
PPG: 6.6| RPG: 5.4 | APG: 0.9

Wizards Injury Report

Out

  • John Wall (knee)
  • Trevor Booker (knee)
  • Trevor Ariza (calf)
  • A.J. Price (hand)

Rockets Injury
Report

TBD

  • James Harden (ankle)