The Rockets are in great shape, winning two games in a row, maintaining a winning percentage of more than 5 percent, and ranking 8th in the West. With 27 regular season games now in hand, the team's progress has been rapid. However, the team will need to make some adjustments in the face of the upcoming matches. The starting Iron Gate Eason will be sidelined with injury, which means the team will need new players to step up and take responsibility.
At the same time, there are some problems with the team's No. 2 position, Green's shooting percentage is declining, and the shooting will be reduced, which also gives the rookies more opportunities. In such a situation, the Rockets will need to maintain a solid defense while improving their three-point shooting to ensure victory. In the last game, the team's interior scorer Shin Kyung looked a little struggling against the Pacers' interior defense, and this game will be a test for him.
Jabari Smith, on the other hand, has become the team's most consistent scorer this season, and his status has gradually improved. However, Green's shooting percentage dropped and became a shortcoming for the team, so Udoka gradually abandoned him. In such a situation, rookies Amen Thompson and Whitmore will have the opportunity to get more playing time, and they will be contenders for Green's No. 2 spot.
Amen Thompson, in particular, has an advantage in mid-range shooting and defense, which will bring new energy to the team. Considering the Rockets' current standings and the chasers behind them, the game against the Pacers will be crucial. Mastering defense and improving three-point shooting will be key to victory. And if the Rockets can win this game, it will mean that they will have won three in a row and hold the top eight positions in the West.
In the face of strong opponents such as the Lakers, Warriors and Suns, if the Rockets can stabilize their position, it will be a success for Udoka to successfully enter the playoffs. This game against the Pacers will be an important milestone for the team to sprint to the playoffs, and it will also test the team's strength and determination.