Is it time to give up?
Was pairing James Harden with Russell Westbrook a bad idea?
Jan 30, 2020, 5:45 am
Is it time to give up?
James Harden and Russell Westbrook have not been on the same page at all this season. They have struggled to be efficient. Is it time for something new?
When the season began, Harden looked unstoppable on the court. Harden was able to average up close to 40 points per game earlier this season. Westbrook on the other hand, was still trying to figure things out. At times, he looked skittish on the basketball court with Harden. Westbrook found it real hard to find his own shot in the beginning of the season. Even though Westbrook was averaging 21.5 points per game, he was still forcing shoots and looked like a bystander. It almost felt like Westbrook was a weak link to Harden...
Recently, things have reversed between the two. Harden has not played his best basketball since January 3rd against the Philadelphia 76ers. He is also shooting 35% from the field in January. Harden is even taking fewer shots this month. Is he losing confidence in his shot? Suddenly, Westbrook has turned things around for the month of January. He is playing at better pace than Harden is right now. Westbrook is shooting the ball at 52.8% from the field this month; which is great. The Rockets have also been relying on Westbrook instead of Harden late in games this month.
How come these two are not on the same page? This team has struggled because of that. When Harden and Westbrook sat out Monday night against the Utah Jazz, the whole entire Rocket's team played great basketball. Eric Gordon was able to go off for a career high 50 points. Danuel House and Austin Rivers both went off for 21 points each as well that night. Was Harden and Westbrook the problem?
Watching this team struggle against the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night is questionable. Westbrook was able to have a good night by shooting 55% from the field and scoring 31 points. While Harden was struggling from the field by shooting 27% and scoring 18 points Wednesday night.
Honestly, it feels like the Rockets are struggling with these two on the same floor. Harden and Westbrook cannot even play the correct way on the court. Should one of them go so the team can succeed? The trade deadline is approaching for Daryl Morey.
The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).
Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.
While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.
Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.
The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.
With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
A big test awaits
It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.
The Astros are listed as TBA for tomorrow. Blubaugh last pitched on April 23. Connect the dots. https://t.co/AqPtmMtESd
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 29, 2025
Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.
AJ Blubaugh will start tomorrow’s game against the Tigers. It will be his major-league debut.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2025
Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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