Houston Rockets Game 62 of 2015-16 Season vs Bulls

Houston Rockets Game 62 of 2015-16  featured the Chicago Bulls.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 62 of 2015-16 versus the Chicago Bulls.

Mar 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) and center Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Houston 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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 62 – Bulls

Pregame Analysis:

Chicago will be returning home after a short two game road trip and will be looking to break out of a four-game losing streak. While Houston will be looking to build off a home victory in which the Rockets rallied back to knock off Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans winning 100-95.

At 30-31 the Rockets are currently two games ahead of the Utah Jazz for the 8th playoff seed in the Western Conference. While the Chicago Bulls are in possession of a 30-30 record which positions Fred Hoiberg’s ball club half a game behind the 8th seeded Detroit Pistons.

With the playoffs quickly approaching, this Saturday night match up between two teams who many expected to be atop of their respective conferences holds many playoff indications moving forward. – Anthony Nguyen

Anthony Nguyen’s full pregame analysis Houston Rockets Game 62 can be viewed here

Post Game Analysis:

With the return of Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson to the starting lineup after missing games due to injury, the Chicago Bulls faced the Houston Rockets desperate for the home win hoping to get back on the conversation for the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile the Rockets trying to hold down their own 8th seed re-introduced Michael Beasley and his many missed field goals to the NBA.

With the Rockets still completely unable to knock down shots from beyond the arc but refusing to try anything else, the Bulls managed to open up a small lead by halftime that only grew with time.

Houston tried a couple of runs, clawing back from double digit deficits, but in the end never got close. The Bulls trio sealed the deal for Chicago with Butler and Gasol getting a double-double and Rose closely behind with 17 points and 9 assists. -Andre Cantalogo

Andre Cantalogo’s full post game analysis  and players grades from Houston Rockets Game 62 can be viewed here

Stat Leaders:

As per Cantalogo the players who had an especially relevant game were Harden (36 points, 8 assists, but 9 turnovers) and Pau Gasol (28 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks).

Houston Rockets Game 62 NBA.com box score.

Rockets Games vs Bulls  in 2016-17

• February 3rd at home
• March 10 in Chicago at the United Center

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Though Kevin Durant leaving Oklahoma City may have shocked some NBA fans surely Dwyane Wades exit from Miami was much more surprising. The Bulls are in full on rebuild mode having sent franchise star Derrick Rose packing. Furthermore losing Joakim Noah means the Bulls have few Thibodeau roster members remaining. So, now coach Fred Hoiberg has practically a brand new roster to mold.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Denzel Valentine (14)

Round 2: Paul Zipser (48)Mar

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

• Rajon Rondo 2-years $30M from Kings
• Robin Lopez (trade)
• Jerian Grant (trade)
• Dwyane Wade deal is reportedly for 2-years, $47.5M
• Isaiah Canaan 2-year, $2.1M deal exits 76ers

Exiting Free Agents/traded: 

• Joakim Noah  to New York Knicks, 4-years, $72M
• E’Twaun Moore  4-year, $34M to Pelicans
• Derrick Rose (trade)
• Pau Gasol  2-years, $30M to Spurs
• Jose Calderon  (trade to Chicago in Bulls deal and now traded to Lakers to create cap space for Wade)
• Mike Dunleavy traded to Cavaliers
• Aaron Brooks to a 1-year, $2.5M deal, moves to Pacers

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