Houston Rockets Game 37 of 2015-16 Season vs Jazz

Houston Rockets Game 37 of 2015-16  saw the squad tipping off versus the Utah Jazz.

Jan 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) shoots against Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 37  of 2015-16 versus the Utah Jazz.

The Houston Rockets added draft picks and signed free agents to improve upon an especially mediocre 41-41 campaign. Big man Dwight Howard left for Atlanta while free agents Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario and Pablo Prigioni joined Houston in free agency.

Hopes are these additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for opening night on October 26th versus the Lakers hopefully this series will appease your cravings.

To that end, this series showcases the Rockets 82 games noting the pregame analysis, post game grades, and relevant video. Furthermore, SCS will highlight significant changes made by their opponents this summer. So, here it is – – enjoy all 82 posts as SCS takes you back over the 2015-16 season.

Game 37 – Utah Jazz

Pregame Analysis:

Facing the Jazz for the second game in a row the Rockets had begun what would eventually turn into a 5-game win streak. In preparation for the game the SCS pregame analysis offered the following insight:

Last game a fan made “a point” of letting James Harden know he didn’t appreciate his game which may have been the factor that led to his strong second half performance and ultimate Houston Rockets win.  Cut forward to this evening and the Rockets will look to take some more adversity and make a point (sans laser) all their own.

Yes, it’s exactly the same team the Rockets played their last game out but the situation has changed a bit since that last game most notably in terms of health and playoff seeding. Entering tonight’s contest the teams have swapped seeds with the Rockets now in 7th and the Jazz bumped down to the 8th seed because of the loss to the Rockets and another in San Antonio. In terms of health Rudy Gobert has been upgraded to questionable for the first time since he went out due to his twisted ankle and Dwight Howard may be out with his back acting up again (which you can read more about in Ben Casey’s article).

Suffice to say with the myriad of Rockets already either on the disabled list or nursing injuries it leaves the team rather thin in terms of available bodies. This is disconcerting given the Rockets can’t afford to be throwing away any games as they continue to move closer to the half way mark of the season.

To view the full pregame analysis click this link.

Post Game Analysis:

Coty Davis served up the post game analysis and player grades which can be found here.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden posted 33 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists 2 steals, 1 block. while Gordon Hayward scored 15 points, 5 assists.

NBA.com provides full box score which can be viewed via this link.

Rockets Games vs Jazz in 2016-17

• November 19th at home
• November 29th in Utah at Vivant Smart Home Arena
• March 8th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Taking a cue from the Minnesota Timberwolves who surrounded their youngsters with solid vets last season (Kevin Garnett, Kevin Martin, Tayshaun Prince) the Utah Jazz are seemingly following the same blueprint adding Joe Johnson, Boris Diaw and George Hill.

Utah is on the cusp of breaking through and could be the surprise in the West this season.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: N/A

Round 2: Joel Bolomboy (52), Marcus Paige (55), Tyrone Wallace (60)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

• Joe Johnson 2-year, $22M with Jazz
• George Hill (traded from Pacers)
• Boris Diaw (trade from Spurs for Olivier Hanlan)

Exiting Free Agents/traded: 

• Trevor Booker 2-years $18.5M with Nets
• Trey Burke (traded for future 2nd round pick)

Unresolved:

• None

More Free Agent News

Next: Updated Free Agency Report

Next: Free Agency Profiles for all 30 Teams

Due to the large Houston Rockets fan base, SCS is always looking to add new talent to our writing team. To that end, we’re looking for individuals with a specialized focus.  Specifically, the first area  is perfect for someone who constantly surfs for breaking news on injuries, trades, insider info. Consequently this individual would select top news items providing timely quick hits to keep SCS readers in the loop.

The other writer would possess an especially strong social media background and would like to interact with Clutch City Fans. Therefore this person will promote SCS team content on facebook and twitter. As a result the successful candidate will  make sure to promote the best content coming from H-Town fans. In conclusion, if you’re a budding writer who possesses these qualities vist the SCS link, and fill out an application