Pioneers vs. Rockets Preview: Rookie Showdown – Sheppard vs. Klinge, Cui Yongxi Absent as Rockets Aim for Victory

On July 21, the NBA Summer League Ranking Match will see the Pioneers face off against the Rockets.

The Pioneers achieved a record of 2 wins and 2 losses in their previous Summer League games. In their last game against the Hornets, the Pioneers performed poorly as a team with an embarrassing field goal percentage of 32.9%, and they made only 6 out of 41 three-point attempts! Ultimately, the Pioneers suffered a significant defeat. Klinge was the best-performing player on the team, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Chinese player Cui Yongxi entered the game at the end but did not have many opportunities.

After this game, Cui Yongxi announced that he would end his Summer League campaign early and return home to rest. Therefore, Cui Yongxi will not play in the game against the Rockets, which might lessen the appeal for Chinese fans. Focusing on the Pioneers themselves, the fifth overall draft pick, Klinge, will be the most watched player due to his height, strength, and skills, all of which have been well-displayed in the Summer League.

The Rockets also had a record of 2 wins and 2 losses in their previous Summer League games. In their last game against the Timberwolves, third overall pick Sheppard scored 20 points but went 0-for-5 from beyond the arc and had seven turnovers, indicating a slightly subpar performance. Besides Sheppard, AJ Griffin and Robinson both scored in double digits. The Rockets’ core player, Whitmore, missed this game and will not play in subsequent games. For Sheppard, he needs to lead the team alone.

After four games, Sheppard has already demonstrated exceptional individual qualities. Although he is slim and small, Sheppard possesses excellent basketball IQ. Even when his three-point shooting is cold, he can still create opportunities through drives and passes. With Whitmore’s absence, Sheppard will have unlimited shooting rights. Apart from Sheppard, the performances of Griffin, Robinson, Dante, and others are also worth watching.

The matchup between the Rockets and the Pioneers will feature a notable showdown between Sheppard and Klinge. However, considering the strengths of both teams, the Rockets have a certain advantage. The Pioneers lack an organizer on offense, and Klinge often does not receive sufficient support. On the other hand, Sheppard can serve as the starting point for the Rockets.