Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose is set to make his much awaited New York Knicks debut on Tuesday, as his team visits the run-and-gunning Houston Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Preview:
In a desperate move to surround Carmelo Anthony with talent in his final prime years, the Knicks pulled off a huge trade last summer, sending Jeriah Grant, Robin Lopez and Jose Calderon to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Rose - a move many analysts consider a make-or-break coup for president of basketball operations Phil Jackson.
The Knicks also loaded up their roster with quality veterans such as Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings. Kristap Porzingis will be entering his second year and he's expected to double up his productions from last season.
There's no dispute the Knicks possess a better roster this year on paper. However, whether or not these new talents would lead to victories remains a big question mark. On Monday, they are going to be tested by the Rockets, who appear to have completely bought in Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced offense.
The Rockets are coming off a 131-94 victory over the Shanghai Sharks on Monday. The game featured six Rockets players in double figures and James Harden recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists in 28 minutes of action, proving D'Antoni's offensive scheme is as explosive as ever.
Prediction:
The Knicks will attempt to establish dominance in the paint by giving Anthony and Porzingis rooms to operate down-low. Rose and Harden will have their moments in the game, so will center Clint Capela. The action will be fast-paced with both teams breaking the century mark. In the end, the Rockets will blow by the Knicks in the fourth for their second win in the preseason.
Team news, notes and rumors:
Knicks: Joakim Noah will likely to sit Tuesday's preseason opener against the Rockets with a minor hamstring injury, according to NY Daily News. Derrick Rose could miss a day of practice or two due, as he's scheduled to fly to Los Angeles Wednesday to attend the federal civil trial regarding the rape accusation hurled against him.
Rockets: Donatas Matiejunas decided not to sign the $4.4 million qualifying offer from the Rockets, allowing him to become an unrestricted free-agent next season. Meanwhile, ESPN's Marc Stein reported the Rockets have expressed strong interest in bringing in Spain's Sergio Llull in 2017.