It will be a battle of Texan teams this Sunday as the NBA defending champion San Antonio Spurs host the streaking Houston Rockets over at the AT&T Center.
San Antonio will have its hands full, not only because they are facing a powerhouse Rockets quintet made tougher with the recent acquisition of power forward Josh Smith.
Making matters worse for head coach Gregg Popovich is that he will have to face the rising Rockets without some key players. Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard and Patty Mills will be out for the Spurs this Sunday which could spell trouble for the reigning NBA champs.
Cory Joseph has of course played splendidly for coach Pop in lieu of the injured Parker but it remains to be seen if that would be enough to help the Spurs stand up to the Rockets. Ageless Tim Duncan will of course be there but with Dwight Howard and Josh Smith up front, Duncan may need more help to fend off the Rocket's frontline charge.
On the other hand, the Rockets have been reaping the benefits of their continued investments, the latest of which is Josh Smith who was waived by the Detroit Pistons.
Smith played a key role in the Rockets 117-111 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and seems to have been a right fit to coach Kevin McHale's system.
"For just being here, he had a hell of a game," McHale said. "As I get to know him better, I'll be able to put him in better spots. He can score in the post, he can drive it and pass it. He gives us a lot of flexibility, a lot of versatility ... Having another good athlete out there helps us."
All eyes will however still be on James Harden who has transformed into an all-around player. Harden has been visible on both ends of the court and has been making his teammates looking good.
The Rockets are currently third in the Western Conference standings while the Spurs are toting an 18-13 card.
With contrasting performances this December, this matchup should be something to watch, especially the battle beneath the boards between Duncan and Howard.
The Spurs – Rockets game will be shown at 7:00 p.m. (EST). It will be broadcast via Fox Sports.
