The gist: The Rockets, albeit ugly, won their first road game against the Bobcats, 82-70. The Spurs, on the other hand are coming off a 106-103 road loss to the Bucks but remain an impeccable 6-0 at the AT&T Center. TJ Ford (strained left hamstring) and Manu Ginobili (broken left hand) are the casualties for this game.
Key matchup: Chandler Parsons vs Richard Jefferson
Jefferson has been blistering from outside, converting on 56.1% treys this season. If Parsons gets the starting nod again tonight over Chase Budinger, he will have to do two things: (1) close out Jefferson from the arc and (2) make his free throws, as he is shooting a Chris Dudley-like 20% for the season.
X-factor: Kevin Martin
While Martin has been a pedestrian 40.7% from the field, he torched the Spurs in their last outing, gunning 10/17 for 25 points.
Code Red: For all the reps the Rockets have been getting as an offensive juggernaut, the Spurs are fourth in scoring, averaging 100.9 points thanks to streaky downtown shooting and unselfish basketball. The Rockets cannot expect to trade baskets, especially knowing that they are on the road.