Nov 6, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Rockets take on the short handed Kings tonight at Toyota Center
The previous match up between these Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings was a shootout. The Rockets shot an NBA record 51 triples and made 21 of them. Their double digit win came against a team at full strength and saw Cousins hit five triples en route to 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Depending on how you look at it, Cousins being inactive for the game this evening is a let down. In fact, the Kings not actually naming a starting back court makes this game particularly interesting.
From a fan’s perspective, you purchase tickets to the game in hopes of seeing these world class athletes battle against one another. But, because of NBA scheduling more teams are now resting their franchise players. Teams and coaches are doing this in hopes of making runs later in the season when there appears to be more at stake. I ask you though-is this fair to us, the fans? Would we rather see our team healthier later in the season and possibly the playoffs? Or, is the purchase of an NBA ticket entitle us to get the best product/best line-up, no matter when exactly the game is played?
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These questions are currently under review as Commissioner Adam Silver is contemplating shortening the preseason, which in turn would make for an earlier start to the regular season. In doing so, this would also mean less back to back games for NBA teams. The end goal is essentially putting out the best product for the fans, especially since NBA tickets are not cheap.
The curious thing about these “rest” days though, is when they happen after a day off. Or, the team didn’t even play in a set of back to back games. The Spurs, Cavs, and Kings are all resting key players tonight. The random “rest” days is what draws the fans ire and why the NBA is looking to fix this issue.
Bottom line though, the players are human and I think it’s easy to forget this and just look at these guys as a product. These athletes take a beating and I think as a fan, we have to look at the bigger picture. Which is, your team competing for a championship and having everyone healthy.
The Rockets will look to extend their win streak against a Kings team without Cousins, Rudy Gay (on the trading block?), and Ben McLemore. Tip off is at 7 PM on RTSW
