By Jordan Long
The Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs are tied at 2 games apiece in their best of 7 playoff series heading into game 5 tonight. The Rockets were dealt a considerable blow to their chances of winning the series. Center Nene will miss the rest of the playoffs with a torn adductor in his groin. He suffered the injury during the first quarter of game 4 and left the game to undergo an MRI.
Nene is the Rockets’ best center. Nene can score, averaging 10 points per game in the playoffs. He makes his mark by rebounding the ball averaging 4.7 rebounds per game. Those rebounds allow the Rockets to start a fast break which usually ends in points. On the offensive side of the ball, when he boxes out, it gives Houston an opportunity for second chance points. Nene’s height at 6 foot 11 inches makes it difficult for opposing players to have easy looks at the basket. When that happens, he can block shots.
The Rockets are going to need to fill this void when starting center Clint Capela needs a rest. Power forward Montrezl Harrell could replace Nene. Harrell appeared in 4 playoff games to this point. He is not the defender that Nene is averaging 4.5 minutes and in those minutes, scores 1.3 points. Harrell is shorter than Nene at 6 foot 8 inches and he can’t box out as easily. He averages 1.3 rebounds per game.
The other option for the Rockets is Ryan Anderson, the starting power forward, to be the backup center. Anderson is taller than Harrell at 6 foot 10 inches and is a better rebounder with 5 rebounds per game. They will need Anderson to switch to center when Capela needs a rest.
Houston is lucky to have depth to replace Nene. The Rockets will need Harrell and Anderson to step up their play to stop the Spurs from scoring for the rest of the series. It will be a tough task. If the Rockets end up losing this series, hopefully it won’t be because of the injury to Nene.
Who should replace Nene for the Houston Rockets?
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