Hunter Atkins

Christopher Walken's hot take on the Texans QB situation @ChronTXSN

After winning 116-105 over BOS and asked if the small-ball lineup will continue to work, Harden: “We’re gunna make it work.”

Beautifully done @Jonathan_Feigen "Few in life get to meet, much less get to know, their heroes. This generation of NBA players did. Bryant was a legend and a global sports icon. But to those who played with and against him and those who have followed, he was that and more."

Helicopter crashes are rare. Fatal ones are far rarer: 20 fatal helicopter accidents in 2017 and 17 in 2016, per @flightsafety The chances of Kobe Bryant...almost unfathomable.

The Rockets at 26-12 still aren't right. Austin Rivers, noting bad L's since Christmas, said they've been "(expletive around)" instead of blowing out teams: “Point blank, the Thunder’s a good team, but they’re not better than us." houstonchronicle.com/sports/…

AJ Hinch: “While the evidence consistently showed I didn’t endorse or participate in the sign stealing practices, I failed to stop them and I am deeply sorry.”

Jeff Luhnow tells the WSJ (where his brother David is an editor): “I am not a cheater.”

Hinch and Luhnow had two of the best, if not the best, jobs in sports. They threw it away because that wasn’t enough for them.

Astros owner Jim Crane has fired A.J. Hinch and Jeff Luhnow.

3-pointers: Takeaways from Rockets' win over Timberwolves houstonchronicle.com/sports/…

Mike D’Antoni expects PJ Tucker to be available by Tuesday vs. MEM.

Russell Westbrook scored 20+ points in each of his past 14 games (tied for longest streak by a Rocket besides Harden since 16 games by Olajuwon near end of 1995-96) (per HOU PR).

Through three quarters, this game makes more sense. Rockets lead Timberwolves 102-76. Thabo Sefolosha is playing.

P.J. Tucker will not return to the game. Out with a right shoulder injury.

Oh, by the way, James Harden has surpassed 20,000 career points.

James Harden left his bad shooting and headband behind in the first quarter. He's 3-for-3 with a pair of 3s in the second. (16 points total.)

P.J. Tucker is out with a right shoulder "stinger" and is questionable to return.

James Harden has made 9 of his last 48 shots (19%) and 3-for-26 (12%) on 3s.

Karl-Anthony Towns (left knee sprain) is OUT vs. HOU today. Will be easier lifting for Rockets C Isaiah Hartenstein, who is starting in place of Clint Capela (heel).