After coming off a narrow loss to the world champion Miami Heat, James Harden, Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets (27-24) now face off Friday at the Toyota Center against rookie sensation Damian Lillard and Western rivals the Portland Trail Blazers (25-24), who have beaten them twice this season.
The Rockets were riding a wave of momentum into Friday's game, tying an NBA record 23 three-pointers against Golden State while Jeremy Lin led the way with 28 points in an impressive 140-109 routing of the playoff-contending Warriors Tuesday.
However, despite Harden's 36-point showing, the Heat were able to clamp down on defense in the fourth quarter to beat the Rockets 114-108 Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Portland could use some momentum after dropping five of their last 10 games and coming off a 105-99 loss against Dallas on Wednesday. But with LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard, whose has generated 19.8 points and 6.6 assists in his rookie season, Portland has a chance to take three straight from the Rockets--something they haven't done since the 2002-03 season.
Latinos Post breaks down the top matchups of the game heading into Friday:
Power Forward: LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers vs. Patrick Patterson, Rockets
Aldridge, who leads the Blazers in points with 20.8 points per game, has been stellar over the last five games, the All-Star forward netting 23.0 points and 11.4 rebounds over that time frame. Meanwhile, Patterson, who was slow to recover from a foot injury last month, has been returning to steady offensive productivity, coming off a 15-point night against Miami on Wednesday.
Advantage: Blazers
Small Forward: Nicolas Batum, Blazers vs. Chandler Parsons, Rockets
Batum, who is coming off a wrist injury, has been gravely affected by his ailment, his offensive production dropping from his season average of 15.5 points to 8.0 points in the last five games. Parsons, on the other hand, has been picking it up, garnering 17.2 points on 59.3 percent shooting since Jan. 28. While he only scored 13 points against Miami, he did hit six of his nine shots and could provide a big offensive spark for Houston's starting lineup.
Advantage: Rockets
Center: J.J. Hickson, Blazers vs. Omer Asik, Rockets
The 6'9" Hickson is as steady as you can get at the center position, scoring 16.0 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. The seven-foot Asik, however, has a three-inch height advantage, and has not only averaged double figures in points lately, but is grabbing rebounds at a feverish pace, 16.2 boards per game. Hickson might have a speed advantage, however, that he can exploit. Either way, it should be a great battle in the paint.
Advantage: Even
Shooting Guard: Wesley Matthews, Blazers vs. James Harden, Rockets
Matthews came off an ankle injury Saturday and hasn't missed a beat, scoring back-to-back 20-plus point games this week. But he's going up against one of the best shooting guards in the league in Harden, who rebounded from a slumping scoring rate to drop 36 points on the Heat Wednesday. This matchup could go back and forth as one half of what promises to be an exciting backcourt battle.
Advantage: Rockets
Point Guard: Damian Lillard, Blazers vs. Jeremy Lin, Rockets
This one should be fun to watch, with an increasingly productive Lin going up against the hottest rookie in the league in Lillard.
The front-runner for Rookie of the Year has been nothing short of scintillating, averaging 19.8 points and 6.6 assists in the last five games, bringing with him an uncanny savvy for a rookie and a knack for hitting clutch shots. Lin, meanwhile, had one of his best performances against Golden State earlier this week, scoring 28 points and dishing nine assists, before having an off-night in Miami on Wednesday with only 13 points on 3-of-10 shooting. Lin will need some help from Harden in shutting down Lillard, who has been a bane for the Rockets, averaging 23.5 points against Houston in their last two meetings.
Advantage: Portland
Bench
Jared Jeffries is a defensive specialist who gives Portland great depth, while Luke Babbitt is a decent three-point shooter. Will Barton and Nolan Smith also provide quality minutes for the Blazers' backcourt.
With Carlos Delfino still day-to-day with an elbow injury, Houston's top sub is likely a no-show for Friday. Marcus Morris has an off night for Houston Wednesday against the Heat, but could easily rebound for a steadier performance Friday, while Toney Douglas can add a spark with his streaky offense.
Advantage: Even
Game Time, Live Score
Game Time starts at 8 p.m. Live score is available via TV Companion, here.
Live Streaming
Live Streaming for the Game is can be seen via NBA League Pass. (Service Provider Required)
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