James Harden (Photo : Mike Ehrmann | Getty Images Sport)
The new-look Houston Rockets will open their pre-season build-up against a familiar foe. On Sunday (7 p.m US EST), Mike D'Antoni makes his Rockets' coaching debut as his team take on Yao Ming's Shanghai Sharks at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Preview:
D'Antoni's arrival as the top tactician is not only the new thing for the Rockets this year. Clint Capela will now be pushed into the starting lineup following the departure of Dwight Howard to the Atlanta Hawks.
James Harden remains the focal point of the team's offense, but the Rockets add a bevy of shooters (Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson and PJ Hairston) around him to maximize both his ability to create shots for himself and teammates.
Meanwhile, the Shanghai Sharks aren't going to be pushover in their exhibition game with the Rockets. They are bringing in former college star Jimmer Fredette, NBA vet AJ Price and Guerschon Yabusele, who was selected 16th overall by the Boston Celtics last June.
Players to Watch
Rockets: In the eyes of NBA pundits, losing Howard is a big blow to the Rockets' championship aspirations. However, the Rockets top-brass are optimistic Capela is ready to fill in that role after putting up a solid 2015-16 campaign, where he averaged 7.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in under 20 minutes per game. This Sunday, Capela will have a chance to showcase how much growth he had gained after two full NBA seasons.
Sharks: While it's good to see Fredette balling again elsewhere, unfortunately for him the attention will not be on him vs. the Rockets. That belongs to Yabusule, who is expected to spend this season as warm-up for next year's NBA challenge.
Prediction:
Expect a lot of fireworks in this game. Both teams are loaded with shooters and rim attackers, making this game a lot more exciting on paper. The Rockets are going to show D'Antoni's trademark fast-paced offense right away, while the Sharks will let Fredette and Yabasule loose from the get go. It's going to be a competitive ball game, but the Rockets will take the win in the end.
Live Stream of Rockets vs. Sharks game will be available on NBA League Pass
