Houston Rockets star guard James Harden was a late scratch for Saturday afternoon's home game against the Sacramento Kings due to a sprained right ankle.

Harden turned the ankle late in Thursday's win over the Kings, but he was not listed on the official injury report. The Rockets announced that he would not play about 30 minutes before tipoff, after Harden had gone through his pregame shooting routine.

9 minutes ago, HazletonEagle said:

Mike Scott out tonight.  Confirmed the threegional manager for Harden. 

HE was talking about Seth being hesitant at times instead of just letting it fly.  I think that is because he is so short and if the guy closing out can cheat (for some odd reason), his shot will be blocked.

good start till Embiid shot a 3. 

well now he hit one

what a stupid foul. what was he thinking?

Tobi is really starting to look like the guy we wanted to see when we made the trade. 

wow so nice to look like a good shooting team!

1 minute ago, HazletonEagle said:

Tobi is really starting to look like the guy we wanted to see when we made the trade. 

wow so nice to look like a good shooting team!

He is shooting it a lot faster and in rhythm this year.  He was slow and hesitant last year.

jesus christ simmons how do you miss from under there. 

3 minutes ago, Khani1 said:

He is shooting it a lot faster and in rhythm this year.  He was slow and hesitant last year.

yeah his release has been super fast. 

never see Danny Green make this many shots in a game. Its still the first quarter!

Ben missed an easy one again. Play worked perfectly and hes too soft. 

wow Harris with authority!

4 minutes ago, HazletonEagle said:

jesus christ simmons how do you miss from under there. 

yeah his release has been super fast. 

never see Danny Green make this many shots in a game. Its still the first quarter!

Tobi would also never do what he just did with that throw down.  He would stop short and miss a lay up.

man Maxey is good around the basket. 

Maxey finally hit a 3. Nice!

If Maxey becomes even an average 3 point shooter, watch out!

Yeah, I really like Maxey. I’m already on the record as being 100% opposed to trading for Harden but if they include Maxey in a deal with him I’ll be even more pissed. 

Tobias looking nice. If he could play like this consistently he’d actually be worth his contract. 

Just now, nipples said:

Tobias looking nice. If he could play like this consistently he’d actually be worth his contract. 

Honestly, I don't expect this from him consistently.  When he goes into a cold streak, it starts to affect him and his game.  I am just hoping we get more of these types of games from him than the bad ones.

Damn, what a great addition Curry has been. 

I think watching Dwight Howard’s reactions on the bench has been my favorite part of the season so far

What stupid foul. What the hell was Ben thinking?

Lamelo looks just as sheety as his brother. Can't believe people fell for those Ball bros twice. 

I’ll preface this by saying that I don’t think this team is quite ready to contend for a title, and frankly I don’t know if they ever will be unless they trade Ben (for someone other than Harden). 
 

BUT, I do think they are a lot better than last year. Just upgrading from BB to Doc is enough to elevate them a bit above where they were. The addition of Curry finally giving them a shooter, and Howard as a backup for Embiid gives them a boost. 
 

They SHOULD only get better as the season goes on. I’d think they have to, considering right now they are playing for a brand new coach after a severely shortened offseason. 
 

I still would like to move Ben (Beal would be my fantasy land trade target). I think even with him they could still be good enough to at least put up a fight and maybe win a series or two. 

Harris drew 3 at the basket which made room for Ben to miss that open layup. Dont usually see Harris draw that kind of attention. His improved play is paying dividends. 

1 minute ago, HazletonEagle said:

Harris drew 3 at the basket which made room for Ben to miss that open layup. Dont usually see Harris draw that kind of attention. His improved play is paying dividends. 

Maybe Doc really is the "Tobias Whisperer”. 

1 minute ago, nipples said:

I’ll preface this by saying that I don’t think this team is quite ready to contend for a title, and frankly I don’t know if they ever will be unless they trade Ben (for someone other than Harden). 
 

BUT, I do think they are a lot better than last year. Just upgrading from BB to Doc is enough to elevate them a bit above where they were. The addition of Curry finally giving them a shooter, and Howard as a backup for Embiid gives them a boost. 
 

They SHOULD only get better as the season goes on. I’d think they have to, considering right now they are playing for a brand new coach after a severely shortened offseason. 
 

I still would like to move Ben (Beal would be my fantasy land trade target). I think even with him they could still be good enough to at least put up a fight and maybe win a series or two. 

they are better. their big weakness last year was shooting, and thats improved. As a bonus their pretty good defense has become elite. HOWEVER, we have played a bunch of absolute crap teams. Lets see if we can continue rolling when the schedule gets a little tougher.

This stretch is encouraging but shouldnt be used as a reason not to trade Ben. As good as we are look, we can be better when we stop playing 4 vs 6 on offense.