1. Stay vertical in the paint.
Everything starts with Alperen Sengun. With Steven Adams unavailable, Sengun will need to strengthen the interior without committing early fouls. The goal isn’t to shut down Joel Embiid completely. It’s making every touch expensive and staying on the floor.
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2. Protect the ball like it’s precious – because it is.
Philadelphia thrives on live-ball turnovers. If Amen Thompson and Reed Shepard get Houston into its sets cleanly, the Rockets can control the tempo instead of chasing it.
3. Let Kevin Durant fold the defense first.
Houston doesn’t need Kevin Durant to create initial shots – they need his seriousness. If the ball is moved after the defense reacts, the floor naturally opens up.
4. Win the first rebounding battle.
Mistakes are coming. He is alright. What cannot be owned is outright property. Extra chances keep the game steady and prevent Philadelphia from getting going.
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5. Don’t rush it to get it right.
If the offense stalls, resist the urge to rush. Houston has been at its best recently when they have let the game breathe and trusted their structure.
If Houston clears that early stretch without handing over early momentum, the games slow down, the rotation settles down, and the Rockets get a chance to play their brand instead of chasing Philly’s momentum all night.
Survive the first six minutes. If they do so, the rest of the game becomes playable.
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