It took a few weeks and the firing of Kevin McHale, but the Rockets have finally started playing at a level close to what was expected from them before the season. A recent surge has Houston in the hunt for one of the Western Conference's eight playoff seeds.
Spurs vs. Rockets 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online on Christmas
The suddenly hot Rockets welcome one of the league’s best.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The improvement has started on the defensive end. The Rockets’ defense can still use some work, but they’re no longer the turnstiles they once were. Also playing a role in the team’s turnaround has been the improved shooting and effort from James Harden. The Beard is taking fewer three-pointers, connecting on a higher percentage of the ones he does take, and has looked more energetic.
But he's going to have to play a nearly perfect game if Houston has any hope of knocking off the Spurs. If not for Golden State's red-hot start, the Spurs would be the team on everyone's minds. They have the league's second-best record and are right up there with Golden State in point differential.
A historically great defense has been the key. The Spurs are holding teams to fewer than 93 points per 100 possessions, by far the lowest mark in the league. Tim Duncan remains one of the NBA's top paint defenders, while Kawhi Leonard continues to shut down every potent scorer he faces. Watching him and Harden battle should be fun -- that is, unless you're a Rockets fan.
How to Watch
When: Friday, Dec. 25, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Toyota Center
TV: ESPN
Streaming: Watch ESPN
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