NBA News and Updates 2016: Houston Rockets Host Shanghai Sharks in Preseason Opener; Match Prediction and Streaming Details
Good news, basketball fans—the NBA is finally back, beginning Oct. 4 with a big game between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. The Warriors superteam, arguably the biggest story this offseason, looked dazed and out of sync in a losing effort vs. the hot 2016 Eastern Conference finalists.
It is just the first game of the preseason, however, Durant and the Warriors may have yet to mesh well this early. Nevertheless, Toronto and other teams will be looking to pull off impressive performances despite the low stakes, out to prove the legitimacy of their franchises come the 2016-17 NBA Season. One of those games would be the Houston Rockets' challenge of the Shanghai Sharks Sunday.
Changes on Offense
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The Rockets have had a lot on their plate this past offseason. They lost All-Star center Dwight Howard, but kept franchise guard James Harden on board with a 4-year, $118-million contract.
They also hired veteran coach Mike D'Antoni, meaning the Rockets have decided to focus more on offense despite still lacking on defense. D'Antoni coached the famed 7 Seconds or Less Phoenix Suns team led by Steve Nash, which is comparable to the 2015 Champion Golden State in terms of ball movement and shooting.
Speaking of offense, some key changes on that department will take place this season. For starters, shooters Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon are taking their talents to Houston. Anderson's tremendous shooting will be a welcome ability at power forward, being able to stretch the floor for the Rockets.
D'Antoni also changes Harden's position to full-time point guard, having averaged 7.5 assists per game and a 32.5 usage rate last season. Harden said he wants to create more open shots for his teammates, being D'Antoni's trusted playcaller.
The Rise of Fredette?
Meanwhile, the Shanghai Sharks, whose president is Rockets Hall-of-Famer Yao Ming, will have Jimmer Fredette on their roster. Fredette, who last played for the New York Knicks, had an impressive clutch performance in a championship game at the Merlion Cup in Singapore. He scored 31 points, plus three game-winning free throws against the Philippines' Mighty Sports.
The streaky outside shooter would be paired with Guerschon Yabusele, this year's 16th overall pick for the Boston Celtics. Yabusele is expected to show off his prowess prior to his nearing stint with the Celtics, but the pair is predicted to lose against the Rockets on their Houston home floor.
The game tips off on Sunday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston. Fans can watch it on live stream through the NBA League Pass.
