Houston Rockets 114 – Detroit Pistons 97 (Recap)

Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets were without Jeremy Lin and James Harden against the Detroit Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back but, dominant play by Dwight Howard, and great ball movement lead to a walk- away win by the Rockets 114-97.

Dwight Howard carried over his great game from Indiana, and was unstoppable in the first half. Howard played 22 minutes in the first half, and racked up 23 points 12 boards, and 2 blocks. Howard is the first Rockets player with 20 points and 10 boards in the 1st half of a game since Yao Ming on April 2, 2006. Howard was unstoppable, finishing with 35 points, 19 boards, 5 dimes, and 3 blocks. Howard shot 13-18 from the field and 9-14 from the free throw line.

The great ball movement helped to get the shooters better looks tonight, and helped to get six Rockets to score in double figures. Chandler Parsons continued his great play, finishing with 20 points and 7 boards. Francisco Garcia who got the start for James Harden finished with 16 points knocking down 4 three pointers. Omri Casspi set a career high for assists with 7, he also added 13 points.

Bad news for the Rockets is yet another injury. Patrick Beverley has a fracture in his right hand, and more examinations are planned for tomorrow. With Lin suffering from back spasms, Omer Asik out with right thigh contusion, and Greg Smith suffering from knee issues the Rockets have played 48 games with players out because of injury. Only 50 games were missed all last season due to injury.

Next up are the Dallas Mavericks at the Toyota Center on Monday night.