Is Gordon the Savior?

How badly do the Rockets miss Eric Gordon?

Eric Gordon
Jonathan Daniel

How badly do the Rockets miss Eric Gordon?

Eric Gordon's last game played was against the New Orleans Pelicans. He suffered a knee injury that has him sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Recently, it shows that the Rockets need him late in game situations.

In the last three games, the Rockets have struggled in the 4th quarter. Teams are starting double James Harden late in games. Harden's dominance has caused for multiple double teams this season.

Russell Westbrook is having good season by shooting 41.4% from the field. As seen, Westbrook has no problem getting to the rim, shooting from underneath the arc, or finishing on fast breaks. He has struggled shooting the ball from three this season. Westbrook is now shooting 23% from three. This is something Westbrook has told the press after his divesting playoff lost against the Portland trailblazers. Late In 4th quarters, Westbrook has missed game tying open threes. That was seen against the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks. Westbrook has never been shy of the moment before but now questions circulate. Has he taken too much of a back seat to Harden?

Gordon has struggled shooting the ball from the field before his knee injury. He is at a season low averaging 10.9 ppg. Gordon is also shooting the ball at 30.9% from the field. He has never shot the ball this poorly in his career. Since his tenure with the Rockets, Gordon has been reliable. His most reliable moments are in the 4th quarter. All last season, Gordon made major shots in the 4th quarter. In the last three quarters of last season, Gordon was averaging 18.4ppg, shooting the ball at 40.9% from the field, and shooting 36.9% at the three point line. In order for Gordon to help the Rockets, he has to overcome his struggles.

This season has been struggle for Gordon but it can be turned around. Gordon has to live up to expectations since he signed that big contract this past summer. The Rockets do need him back because these double teams on Harden will not stop.

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Díaz's first career grand slam helps Astros rout Angels

The Astros host Mike Trout and the Angels this weekend. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Friday night looking to end a three-game home losing streak as they open a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels.

Ronel Blanco takes the mound for Houston, aiming to bounce back after a rough start to his season. The right-hander is 0-1 with a 9.45 ERA and a 2.10 WHIP through his first two outings. He’ll be opposed by Angels rookie Jack Kochanowicz, who has impressed early with a 3.27 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and eight strikeouts.

The Astros enter the night at 5-7, sitting third in the AL West and still searching for offensive consistency. Despite the team’s slow start, Jose Altuve has been a bright spot, hitting .333 with three homers in his last 10 games. Yordan Alvarez, though still looking for his power stroke to fully emerge, has contributed eight RBI.

Houston will need a stronger showing at the plate to keep pace with a hot Angels squad that has won seven of its last 10. Los Angeles ranks fourth in MLB in slugging (Houston is dead last) and is led by Kyren Paris and Logan O’Hoppe, who have combined for 10 home runs over the last 10 games. The Angels have gone 6-3 on the road and are currently second in the AL West.

This is the first meeting of the season between the division rivals. The Astros are 2-1 this year when scoring five or more runs but have struggled in lower-scoring games. Meanwhile, the Angels have outscored their opponents by 15 runs over their last 10 contests.

Here's a look at the Astros lineup for Game 1:

Screenshot via: MLB.com

Shaking things up

Brendan Rodgers is hitless in his last eight at-bats, so Joe Espada is hoping Mauricio Dubon can give the offense a spark as he's hitting ninth and playing second base.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. EDT.

The Astros projected starters for the series:

Friday-Blanco

Saturday-Ryan Gusto

Sunday-Hayden Wesneski


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