Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview

Nov 7, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) drives on Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the second half at Toyota Center. The Lakers won 99-98. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Keys for the Houston Rockets as they look to avenge a 99-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 7 at Toyota Center.

Marshall-Sanity?

New Lakers starting point guard Kendall Marshall says that he has gained 9,000 twitter followers in the past week after exploding for 20 points and 15 assists on Jan. 3 in a 110-99 win over the Utah Jazz. Marshall became the first Laker to record over 20 points and 15 assists since Kobe Bryant did so in 2002. Over the past three games, he is averaging 16 points, 13 assists, and is shooting 56 percent from the field.

Coach Mike D’Antoni came out and said that Marshall reminds him of Jeremy Lin when he exploded onto the scene in New York. How ironic that the two will be matched up against each other Wednesday night. Rockets must look to limit the penetration from the guards.

Redemption For Dwight Howard

In his first matchup against his former team, Howard finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds, but it was his missed free throws late in the game during Hack-a-Howard that would ultimately cost the Rockets the game. Howard can easily put up 20 points and 10 rebounds Wednesday night, as the Lakers have been starting Robert Sacre at center. Also look for Pau Gasol to defend Howard as well, but he has never really been known for his defense.

Effort

A sub .500 team comes into Toyota Center once again, so playing with the same intensity and motivation that the Rockets would if the Clippers, Spurs, or Blazers came to town is a must. The New York Knicks nearly stole a win last Friday if it wasn’t for J.R. Smith’s boneheaded decision to jack up a 3 with 20 seconds left when the Knicks had the ball for the last shot. Effort will be the difference in the game.

Tip: 7 PM CT

TV: CSN Houston