Tag: Christian Wood

Mavs outshoot James Harden, Rockets behind Tim Hardaway Jr., Luka Doncic

“We played hard, we just didn’t make any shots,” said James Harden, who shot 29.4% from the field. “We didn’t get the shots we wanted.”

As Rockets superstar James Harden saw it, there was a simple explanation for Houston’s 113-100 loss (box score) to the rival Dallas Mavericks on Monday night at Toyota Center. “We played hard, we just didn’t make any shots,” Harden said postgame.

It’s hard to argue. Harden did post a solid line of 21 points and 10 assists, but he shot just 5-of-17 (29.4%) from the field, and his plus/minus figure of -24 in 38 minutes was worst on the team. By comparison, the Rockets were +11 in the nine-plus minutes that Harden did not play.

Meanwhile, backcourt mate John Wall shot just 4-of-10 from the field (40%), with 14 points in 33 minutes. Big man Christian Wood did lead Houston with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%), but he was pulled midway through the fourth quarter after struggling on defense. He also missed all five of his 3-point attempts, and the Rockets (2-3) shot just 11-of-40 (27.5%) as a team from behind the 3-point arc on Monday night.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks (3-4) finally got hot after a sluggish start on offense to the 2020-21 season. Reserve guard Tim Hardaway Jr. entered shooting 32.7% on 3-pointers, but he scored 30 points and made an astounding 8-of-10 (80.0%) from long range in Houston. Meanwhile, expected MVP candidate Luka Doncic scored a game-high 33 points (with three 3-pointers) after entering Monday averaging 24.4 points per game on just 16.1% shooting from behind the arc.

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The Rockets weren’t thrilled with their defensive performance, but the postgame reaction was much more about the shots they didn’t make on offense than the shots they allowed on defense.

“We reverted back to isolation basketball,” said head coach Stephen Silas. “We were way too stagnant. Didn’t move the ball enough to put pressure on [the Dallas defense]. The amount of our five-out possessions were minimal, and it’s got to be fixed.”

“We didn’t get the shots we wanted,” concluded Harden.

Monday’s loss snapped a two-game winning streak by the Rockets, who will resume play on Wednesday night in Indiana.

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Rockets reaction: In loss to Dallas, Stephen Silas frustrated by ‘isolation basketball’

Former head coach Mike D’Antoni said James Harden could be the best isolation scorer ever, but Silas wants more ball movement in Houston.

In Monday’s 113-100 (box score) home loss to Dallas (3-4), it could be argued that the Rockets (2-3) ran into some bad luck, defensively. After all, Mavericks reserve Tim Hardaway Jr. — who entered the game shooting 32.7% on 3-pointers — scored 30 points and connected on an astounding 8-of-10 (80.0%) from behind the arc. MVP candidate Luka Doncic also had his best game of the 2020-21 season to date with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists at Toyota Center.

Perhaps that’s why head coach Stephen Silas seemed more frustrated by Houston’s offense in his postgame remarks. “We reverted back to isolation basketball,” Silas said. “We were way too stagnant. Didn’t move the ball enough to put pressure on [the Dallas defense]. The amount of our five-out possessions were minimal, and it’s got to be fixed.”

Starting center Christian Wood led Houston with 23 points (53.3% FG), but he missed all five of his 3-pointers, and he was pulled midway through the fourth quarter after he appeared to struggle on defense.

Superstar guard James Harden added 21 points and 10 assists, but he shot just 5-of-17 (29.4%) from the field, and his plus/minus figure of -24 in 38 minutes was worst on the team. By comparison, the Rockets were +11 in the nine-plus minutes that Harden did not play.

Former head coach Mike D’Antoni once referred to Harden as possibly the best isolation scorer in NBA history, but Silas has called for more ball and player movement since taking the Houston job before the season. (It’s worth noting that this perspective was endorsed last week by Harden himself, who praised Silas for playing him off the ball more.)

Whatever the reason, Houston seemed to revert back to old habits on Monday, and it wasn’t good enough against a hot-shooting Dallas squad that made 16-of-39 shots (41.0%) from 3-point range. By comparison, the Rockets shot just 11-of-40 (27.5%). Both teams were shorthanded on Monday, with the Mavs missing star big man Kristaps Porzingis and the Rockets without starting forward Danuel House Jr. (back spasms) and backup center DeMarcus Cousins (early ejection).

Here’s a sampling of Monday’s postgame reaction from Toyota Center. Houston returns to action on Wednesday night in Indiana.

Mavs at Rockets: Betting odds, point spread for Monday night

The biggest names in the Texas rivalry are MVP candidates James Harden and Luka Doncic, but each is questionable for Monday’s game.

In a showdown of the top two teams in the NBA’s Southwest Division from last season, Rockets will host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night at Toyota Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m Central, in what will be the final matchup of a three-game homestand for Houston.

What remains to be seen is whether the two biggest names of the usual Texas rivalry will play. James Harden missed Saturday’s win by the Rockets (2-2) with a sprained right ankle, while Luka Doncic sat out Sunday’s loss by the Mavs in Chicago with a left quad contusion. Harden and Doncic finished third and fourth, respectively, in 2019-20 MVP voting.

Both stars will be listed as questionable for Monday’s game, with further details on their status unlikely to come until closer to tipoff. Betting odds for the Texas showdown had yet to be posted as of late Sunday, presumably due to the uncertainty involving each team’s star player.

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Even with Harden sidelined, the Rockets still had enough to win on Saturday versus Sacramento, as John Wall (28 points, 6 assists), Christian Wood (20 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks), and a resurgent defense (30 points allowed in the second half) were among the key storylines. But the Mavs, who finished a close second to Houston in the division last season, are likely to be a stiffer test than the Kings — especially if Doncic plays.

For new Rockets coach Stephen Silas, it will be his first meeting with Dallas since his stint as Rick Carlisle’s top assistant the last two years.

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With Doncic out, the Mavs suffered a 118-108 loss (box score) to the Bulls on Sunday, dropping them to a disappointing 2-4 on the 2020-21 season to date. Jalen Brunson, who replaced Doncic at point guard, led Dallas with 31 points and seven assists in the narrow defeat.

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While Carlisle hasn’t tipped his hand, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Doncic was spared versus an Chicago with an eye on having him available versus a conference and divisional opponent in Houston. But even if Doncic plays, the Rockets should still have a relative scheduling advantage, since Monday will be the second game of a road back-to-back for the Mavs.

Star big man Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined indefinitely for the Mavericks due to offseason knee surgery.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Rockets -2.5 (-110), Mavs +2.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Rockets -140/Mavs +115
  • Over-under: 228.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
  • Player O/U Scoring Props: TBD

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

The Mavs should be weary on the second night of a road back-to-back, while the Rockets are rested and at home. Since getting veterans John Wall, Eric Gordon, and DeMarcus Cousins back from quarantine, Houston hasn’t lost, and its defense has progressively improved.

Monday’s game is tricky to predict, given the uncertain statuses of Doncic and Harden. Both Carlisle and Silas should have their sides motivated to compete hard defensively, given their status as division rivals. But on paper, Houston benefits from a scheduling advantage, and the Rockets have looked to be in better form than Dallas in recent days. The under on the game’s points total might also be a good bet, given the improved defense shown by Houston and potential fatigue issues for the Mavs.

Prediction: 114-108, Rockets

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Mavs at Rockets: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel, start time

Southwest Division rivals Dallas and Houston will meet Monday, but it remains to be seen whether MVP candidates James Harden and Luka Doncic will play.

In a battle of the top two teams in the NBA’s Southwest Division from last season, Rockets will host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night at Toyota Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m Central, in what will be the final matchup of a three-game homestand for Houston.

What remains to be seen is whether the two biggest names of the usual Texas rivalry will play. James Harden missed Saturday’s win by the Rockets (2-2) with a sprained right ankle, while Luka Doncic sat out Sunday’s loss by the Mavs in Chicago with a left quad contusion. Harden and Doncic finished third and fourth, respectively, in 2019-20 MVP voting.

Both stars will be listed as questionable for Monday’s game, with further details on their status unlikely to come until closer to tipoff. Betting odds for the Texas showdown had yet to be posted as of late Sunday, presumably due to the uncertainty involving each team’s star player.

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Even with Harden sidelined, the Rockets still had enough to win on Saturday versus Sacramento, as John Wall (28 points, 6 assists), Christian Wood (20 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks), and a resurgent defense (30 points allowed in the second half) were among the key storylines. But the Mavs, who finished a close second to Houston in the division last season, are likely to be a stiffer test than the Kings — especially if Doncic plays.

For new Rockets coach Stephen Silas, it will be his first meeting with Dallas since his stint as Rick Carlisle’s top assistant the last two years.

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Here’s when you should tune in to see Monday’s game:

  • Date: Monday, Jan. 4
  • Time: 7 p.m. Central
  • TV Channel: NBA TV, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
  • Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Probable starting lineups

Houston Rockets

  • Guard: James Harden
  • Guard: John Wall
  • Forward: Danuel House Jr.
  • Forward: PJ Tucker
  • Center: Christian Wood

Dallas Mavericks

  • Guard: Luka Doncic
  • Guard: Josh Richardson
  • Forward: Tim Hardaway Jr.
  • Forward: Dorian Finney-Smith
  • Center: Dwight Powell

With Doncic out, the Mavs suffered a 118-108 loss (box score) to the Bulls on Sunday, dropping them to a disappointing 2-4 on the 2020-21 season to date. Jalen Brunson, who replaced Doncic at point guard, led Dallas with 31 points and seven assists in the narrow defeat.

While Carlisle hasn’t tipped his hand, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Doncic was spared versus an Chicago with an eye on having him available versus a conference and divisional opponent in Houston. But even if Doncic plays, the Rockets should still have a relative scheduling advantage, since Monday will be the second game of a road back-to-back for the Mavs.

Star big man Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined indefinitely for the Mavericks due to offseason knee surgery.

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Rockets reaction: Defense steps up as Houston wins without James Harden

With Harden out due to a sprained ankle, the Rockets still found a way to win by limiting Sacramento to only 30 points in the second half.

With All-Star guard and NBA scoring leader James Harden sidelined by a sprained right ankle, the Rockets (2-2) lacked their usual offensive punch in Saturday afternoon’s home game versus Sacramento. That didn’t particularly matter, however, since Houston’s defense was strong enough to limit the Kings (3-3) to just 30 points in the second half — including only 13 in the decisive fourth quarter.

It all led to a 102-94 win (box score) by the Rockets at Toyota Center. John Wall led the way with 28 points, six assists, three steals, and two blocked shots, while Christian Wall added 20 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. Eric Gordon, who started in Harden’s place, scored 21.

But in the victorious postgame locker room, Houston was most excited about its defense — especially given a remarkable turnaround from giving up 36 points in the first quarter to only 30 in the entire second half.

The Kings were led by 23 points from rising star De’Aaron Fox, but strong defense from the likes of Wall and David Nwaba helped limit him to just 40.5% shooting over two losses on Thursday and Saturday in Houston. For comparison, Fox shot 48.0% from the field last season.

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See below for team’s reaction to its latest victory. The Rockets return to action Monday versus rival Dallas to wrap up a three-game homestand, though it isn’t yet clear whether Harden will be available.

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Christian Wood posts more big numbers as Rockets win second straight

Wood scored 20 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked four shots as Houston won its second consecutive game over Sacramento.

Rockets center Christian Wood had 20 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocked shots on Saturday as Houston (2-2) won its second consecutive home game over the Sacramento Kings, 102-94 (box score).

Wood also showed an ability to play crucial minutes late in the game without fouling. Despite picking up his fifth foul in the third quarter, Wood checked back in at the 8:00 mark of the fourth and played the remainder of the game without committing a sixth foul (which would have disqualified him). His shot-blocking presence and mobility as an athletic 6-foot-10 big man proved critical to Houston’s defensive scheme.

In all, the Rockets limited the Kings (3-3) to 30 points in the second half — 17 in the third quarter, and 13 in the fourth. That made for quite a defensive turnaround after giving up 64 in the first half.

On offense, Wood scored 20 or more points for a fourth straight game to start his Houston career (fifth if including the preseason). He made a pair of 3-pointers early in the game, and then routinely provided a lob presence for playmaking guard John Wall in pick-and-roll opportunities.

Despite being without All-Star guard James Harden (sprained ankle), the scoring punch from Wood, Wall (28 points), and Eric Gordon (21) was enough to lift the Rockets over 100 for a fourth straight game.

For the 2020-21 season to date, Wood is now averaging 23.8 points (55.7% FG), 10.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He ranks in the top 15 of the NBA in those categories, and if sustained, those numbers could absolutely put the 25-year-old in the running for an All-Star spot.

Wood and the Rockets will return to action on Monday with a divisional matchup at home versus rival Dallas. Tipoff from Toyota Center is set for 7:00 p.m. Central, as Houston wraps up a three-game homestand.

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With Harden out, John Wall leads Rockets to second straight win with playmaking, defense

Wall is the first NBA player since Michael Jordan in 2001 to score 50 points in his first two games after a two-year layoff.

Veteran guard John Wall led the way with a game-high 28 points and six assists on Saturday, leading the shorthanded Houston Rockets to a 102-94 win (box score) at Toyota Center over the Sacramento Kings.

With usual backcourt mate James Harden a late scratch due to a sprained ankle, Wall picked up the slack and then some, showing flashes of the form that made him a five-time NBA All-Star prior to a series of injuries. Wall missed the first two games of Houston’s 2020-21 regular season, both losses, due to a mandatory quarantine, but he has sparked the Rockets (2-2) on both offense and defense since his return.

With 50 combined points in the two games, both versus Sacramento, Wall became the first NBA player since Michael Jordan in 2001 to score 50 in his first two games after a layoff of at least two years. Using a lightning-quick first step to break down defenses, Wall has also led the Rockets with 15 assists in those games, including six on Saturday.

Perhaps most impressively, Wall has shown the fitness to deliver on the other end of the court, as well. Wall had three steals and two blocked shots on Saturday, and his defense helped limit rising Kings star De’Aaron Fox to 17-of-42 shooting (40.5%) over the two games in Houston. Sacramento (3-3) was held to only 30 points in a decisive second half, with Houston’s suffocating defense leading the way to victory.

“We heard from people that said he looked good, but we didn’t know until we got him [via trade].” head coach Stephen Silas said postgame. “Whatever expectations we had for him, he’s exceeded them.”

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Outside of Wall, Christian Wood continued his strong run with 20 points (50% shooting), 15 rebounds, and four blocks, while Eric Gordon scored 21 as a last-minute starter in place of Harden. Silas said postgame that it was too soon to know whether Harden would be able to play in Houston’s next game, which takes place Monday at home versus Dallas.

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Kings at Rockets: Betting odds, point spread for Saturday matinee

Though Houston didn’t cover the 4.5-point spread on Thursday, they’re slightly larger favorites at 5.5 points on Saturday.

As part of the NBA’s plan to reduce travel this season during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rockets host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday afternoon in a quick rematch of Thursday’s close victory by Houston. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck!

We have the latest point spread, moneyline odds, and over-under numbers for the Rockets versus Kings clash, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bets on BetMGM.

In Thursday’s game, James Harden led the Rockets with 33 points and eight assists as Houston used a clutch run late in the fourth quarter to push past Sacramento, 122-119 (box score). The win improved the Rockets to 1-2 on the regular season, while dropping the Kings to 3-2.

Playing in his first regular-season game in over two calendar years, John Wall led Houston in assists with nine and finished second in scoring with 22 points. Meanwhile, his perimeter defense helped limit rising Kings star De’Aaron Fox into a 9-of-23 shooting night (39.1%) on New Year’s Eve.

Christian Wood added 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Eric Gordon scored an efficient 17 points on 50% shooting off Houston’s bench.

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The Kings had a balanced scoring attack on Thursday, led by Harrison Barnes with 24 points (57.1% FG). Fox and Richaun Holmes each scored 22, while Buddy Hield added 19 on five made 3-pointers.

The Kings will be missing rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a bone bruise on his left wrist during Thursday’s game. Meanwhile, the Rockets remain without reserve guard Ben McLemore, who is self-isolating after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Rockets -5.5 (+100), Kings +5.5 (-120)
  • Moneyline: Rockets -200/Kings +165
  • Over-under: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
  • Player O/U Scoring Props: James Harden 31.5 (-115 O, -110 U), John Wall 21.5 (-120 O, -105 U), Christian Wood 19.5 (-110 O, -110 U); De’Aaron Fox 23.5 (-115 O, -110 U), Buddy Hield 20.5 (-110 O, -110 U), Marvin Bagley III 14.5 (-120 O, -105 U)

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

Harden has eclipsed Saturday’s over/under figure of 31.5 in each of his three games in the 2020-21 season, and there’s no reason to expect a big decline on Saturday. In fact, Harden’s game-high 33 points on Thursday — with 16 in a frantic final four minutes — came despite “The Beard” largely looking out of sync over the initial three-and-a-half quarters.

If Harden returns to his usual level of All-Star consistency on Saturday, those points could come earlier, and Houston might not need that type of closing flurry to claim another victory at Toyota Center.

Prediction: 119-109, Rockets

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Rockets center Christian Wood joins elite list with start to 2020-21 season

With 21 points on Thursday, Wood became just the third undrafted player since 1960 to score 20+ points in his first three games of a season.

With 21 points in Thursday night’s victory, Houston Rockets center Christian Wood joined Basketball Hall of Famers Moses Malone and Connie Hawkins as the only undrafted players since 1960 to score 20+ points in their first three games of an NBA regular season.

The athletic 6-foot-10 big man also grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked two shots, and dished out three assists in Houston’s 122-119 home win (box score) over the Sacramento Kings. As usual, Wood was efficient on New Year’s Eve in collecting those numbers, making 9-of-14 shots (64.3%) from the field while committing only one turnover in 32 minutes.

“I’m happy to be here in Houston,” the 25-year-old said postgame from Toyota Center. “I’m playing with two All-Star guards [James Harden and John Wall], and I have Boogie [DeMarcus Cousins] helping me out. … I’ve been saying it all along, the sky’s the limit.”

Through three games with the Rockets, Wood is averaging 25.0 points (57.1% FG), 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 37.3 minutes per game. Those are the types of numbers that, if sustained, could potentially make him an All-Star candidate later in the 2020-21 season.

For an undrafted rookie who was waived as recently as the 2019 offseason and available for any team to claim, it’s a meteoric rise.

Wood and the Rockets (1-2) will look to keep their momentum rolling in Saturday’s rematch with the Kings (3-2) from Toyota Center in downtown Houston. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Central.

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Rockets reaction: James Harden leads decisive closing run vs. Kings

Harden scored 33 points and led a crucial 12-2 run in the final four minutes, leading to Houston’s first win of the 2020-21 regular season.

James Harden led the Rockets with 33 points and eight assists as Houston used a clutch run late in Thursday’s fourth quarter to push past Sacramento, 122-119 (box score). The win improved the Rockets to 1-2 on the 2020-21 regular season, while dropping the Kings to 3-2.

The Rockets trailed by four points with under four minutes to go, but they then went on a 12-2 run in under three game minutes. Of those 12 points, Harden scored 10 and assisted on a Christian Wood dunk for the other two. Veteran defensive ace PJ Tucker didn’t score or take a shot for the entire game, but he had six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks as he proved critical in Houston’s late defensive performance.

“Defensively, when it was time to get stops, we got stops. That’s the most important thing,” Harden said postgame.

Playing in his first regular-season game in over two calendar years, John Wall led Houston in assists with nine and finished second in scoring with 22 points. Meanwhile, his perimeter defense helped limit rising Kings star De’Aaron Fox into a 9-of-23 shooting night (39.1%) on New Year’s Eve.

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Wood added 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Eric Gordon scored an efficient 17 points on 50% shooting off Houston’s bench. See below for a compilation of postgame reaction from the Rockets.