Orlando Summer League: Sixers vs Rockets Game Thread

The Sixers will resume summer league action tonight, squaring off against the Houston Rockets summer league affiliate led by rookies Chris Crawford and Nick Johnson.

Two major developments for the Sixers: first, Nerlens Noel will return to action after resting the previous game against Oklahoma City.  Noel scored 19 points to go along with 4 steals, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and a block while going 7-7 from the foul line in his 76ers debut against the Magic.

Second, Arsalan Kazemi, who joined the team this week, should be playing.  The Iranian power forward will have an abbreviated summer schedule, as he will not be available for the Vegas summer league due to commitments with the Iranian team for the FIBA Asia Cup, so he's a guy that we will be keeping an eye on over these next few games.

Other guys to watch: Hollis Thompson, Casper Ware, Ronald Roberts Jr, and K.J. McDaniels.  Roberts Jr. has been the darling of the summer league team thus far, averaging 12 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, with his athleticism and hustle on full display.  At the very least, he's playing his way onto a training camp roster.

Ware has been the Sixers most consistent producer on the offensive end, averaging 18 points and shooting 46.2% from three point range thus far.  He's struggled with his turnovers and general ability to run the offense, but he's had a couple of real nice nights shooting the ball, which is key for his ability to make the team.

Finally, K.J. McDaniels is another guy to keep your eye on throughout the summer league(s), as he's the rookie most likely to make an impact this season.  While not a focal point offensively, he's hit a couple of open jump shots and blocked a couple shots from the small forward spot, and found ways to contribute.

Jerami Grant, his fellow 2nd round pick, has struggled to find a way to make an impact thus far.  The extremely raw, but extremely athletic, forward out of Syracuse has averaged 2 points and 2 rebounds in 14 minutes per game, shooting 20% from the field.

Finally, Pierre Jackson.  :(

Game starts at 7.  The game will be televised on TCN in the Philadelphia area, and on NBA TV elsewhere.  Happy Nerlens Noel day part 2!