MIAMI – The Rockets completed their preseason schedule with more evidence of how unstoppable James Harden can be no matter who the guard running with him is. That really was never in question.
Less than a week before the regular season will begin, they had other reasons for concern. After Harden carried the Rockets to a 144-133 win against the Miami Heat on Friday there is far more uncertainty about the state of their defense and their health.
Guard Austin Rivers left the game in the first half appearing in considerable pain with what was later called a sore neck.