2015 NBA All-Star Game: Early Predictions For Houston Rockets
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The NBA’s Western Conference seems to be getting more competitive by the day and the Houston Rockets are right in the mix. A disappointing end to last season has appeared to fuel James Harden and Dwight Howard in their efforts to bring the Rockets into contention again.
The Rockets and the 2015 NBA All-Star Game wouldn’t be as entertaining without the “beard,” who has been an offensive dynamo this season. Harden is second in the league in scoring with 26.7 PPG on 32.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
We all know Harden has unlimited range and never met a shot he didn’t like, but it’s been his ability to get to the free throw line that has allowed him to be such an effective scorer. He is averaging nearly 10 free throw attempts per game, while shooting 88.2 percent from the charity stripe. Harden has been a two-time All-Star already and is playing the type of game that deserves a starting spot on the Western Conference roster this year.
The West team should have another spot open for the low post presence that Howard has provided for the Rockets this year. His 19.6 PPG and 11.9 RPG this season are solid enough numbers to earn him his ninth-straight All-Star selection this year. Although he still doesn’t seem to be totally healthy at times, Howard has managed to give the Rockets quality minutes when he’s played.
He is fourth in the league in rebounding, despite lower numbers than he posted a year ago, and he just passed his coach Kevin McHale on the all-time blocks list.
These two superstars are not only one of the best duos in the game; they are plain old fun to watch. There is no doubt that Harden and Howard will be in New York City this February, taking part in the festivities that only the select can enjoy.
Winston Harris is a San Antonio sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @winstonharris34. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
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