Houston Rockets: Daily Rocket Science – It’s Win or ‘Gone Fishing’ Time

Though it’s been said repeatedly this season the Houston Rockets are in a must win situation to control their playoff destiny. The Daily Rocket Science examines the news regarding this huge game.

Not surprisingly the game tonight (Wednesday, April 6) between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks is dominating news in Texas as well as in many National outlets. Though the Mavericks final schedule isn’t ideal with games against the Grizzlies, Clippers, Jazz and Spurs it would definitely behoove the Rockets to win and control their own destiny.

The Houston Chronicle highlights Dirk Nowitzki will face a different look tonight. Specifically the teams previous games featured Terrence Jones and Josh Smith at power forward, and now with a healthy Donatas Motiejunas and addition of Michael Beasley it will pose a different challenge for the German.  Bickerstaff commented on their versatility and plans for defending Dirk tonight:

"“ .” We won’t be afraid to do things we’ve done in the past, but now it puts them in a tougher situation because they have to figure out will Dirk guard one of our fours in the post. In the past, they’ve moved him around and put him on smaller people"

Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News points to a big issue facing the Mavericks – – a red hot James Harden:

"James Harden poured in 41 points in the victory Sunday against Oklahoma City, and he’s averaging 30.7 points and 9.3 assists in the last six games. Wesley Matthews always takes the challenge defensively, but nobody’s been able to slow down Harden lately. Matchup to watch:"

Over the past few days various bloggers have offered their perspective on why the Rockets should lose to retain their draft pick. A solid post was offered by Danny Emerman of The Dream Shake on why the Rockets should just lose and retain their draft pick:

"“ .” This has been an absolute season from hell for the Rockets, and a quick first round exit at the hands of Golden State, San Antonio, or Oklahoma City would not change that. They should reboot the roster around James Harden while staying competitive, and rebrand the team as a desirable, young destination, not a dysfunctional one"

While Rahat Huq of Red 94 offered his reasoning for why he wants Houston to make the playoffs.

"“ .” And my reasoning isn’t born from the same “only losers lay down!” faux bravado espoused by many Rockets fans in the pre-Harden days when the club was wandering in the doldrums of mediocrity.  Horrifically, I think I might have just grown apathetic.  Maybe I’m just burnt out, or in the midst of a mid-life crisis"

While there is more reason to align with Emerman, the fact is Huq’s comments ring close to home for any true sports fan. Who said loving a team would allow you to be rational? As Huq points out his love of the Rockets began as a youngster, so him wanting them to make the playoffs makes sense solely based on his inherent devotion to his favorite team. Given my passion for the sport and my completely irrational wish for my favorite teams to be competitive yearly (well, I guess unless you are a Spurs fan) I for one can completely relate.

Whether you align with Emerman or Ruq the game in Dallas this evening is sure to have fans in Texas captivated. In preparation make sure you read Space City Scoop’s own Anthony Nguyen’s Game Day Preview. Notably Nguyen’s own passion seeps into the preview:

“

Not only does this game effect the playoff race in a huge way but it’s also against Dallas. Not the Mavericks, but Dallas. No matter the sport, every Houston native has been through the agony of hearing a friend or co-worker from Dallas, boast about how the Cowboys are God’s gift to football or how the Maverick’s 2011 NBA Title team was one of the greatest teams ever assembled. We get it, you guys like living in the past and the feeling of nostalgia is vital to your well being. I too wish that I was still in elementary school where lunch was 40 cents and an hour of the day was set out for recess and naps (which was mega dope).

But, the past is the past and the present is the present. And I could not be more excited nor think of a better way to potentially steer a team’s season voyage into a complete shipwreck than to match them up against their in state rival.”

That’s if for today’s version of Daily Rocket Science, stick with Space City Scoop throughout the day for our updates, game articles and opinions on all things Houston Rockets. Enjoy the game tonight.

Next: Rockets and Raptors Reversal of Fortune

Next: Should Rockets Tank?

Next: Bickerstaff's Puzzling Rotations

Next: 5 Players Rockets Should Target

Space City Scoop is always looking to add new talent to our writing team. Currently we’re looking for individuals with a specialized focus. The first area of focus is perfect for someone who is constantly surfing the web for breaking news on injuries, trades, insider info etc. This individual would select the top news items and provide timely quick hits to keep SCS readers in the loop.

The other area of focus is someone who possesses a strong social media background who likes to interact with Clutch City Fans. You’ll promote SCS team content on facebook and twitter while also making sure to promote the best content coming from H-Town fans. If you have this capability and are interested check out this link and fill out an application.