Month: January 2021

Rockets Hit the Big Easy, Battle Zion and the Pelicans

The Drive for Five.    The Road Back.    Rest Ahead.

Houston hits the road to begin a four-game road trip on Saturday night against one of the NBA’s evolving teams. Their first stop is in the Big Easy, where John Wall, Victor Oladipo and the Rockets will meet Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. After a slow start to the season, New Orleans is coming off their best win of the season, a victory over the Bucks last night. Houston’s also coming off their best win of the season, a 20-point comeback victory over the Blazers. The Rockets need to dig deep if they want to make it five wins in a row tonight. The Pelicans are clicking at the right time. Led by Zion Williamson, who’s coming into form, getting better with each game, New Orleans also boasts another Duke product, lethal swingman Brandon Ingram. Eric Bledsoe is hitting a groove after a rough start to the season. And Steven Adams will give Christian Wood rebounding nightmares in the paint. It should be a good one in New Orleans tonight. If the Rockets play with fiery intensity, they should be able to escape with a victory.

Tonight marks the beginning of a four-game road trip, and a stretch of six out of seven games away from Toyota Center for the Rockets. Houston would love to start the trip with a win, and get back to .500 for the first time this season. At 8-9, a win tonight puts Houston a step closer to rising in the standings. New Orleans is 7-10, and a loss puts the Rockets in the same camp as the Pelicans. Tonight’s game is immensely important as Houston continues to dig itself out of their early season hole, victims of the James Harden-drama. The Rockets have the advantage in the rest category. Houston hasn’t played since Thursday. New Orleans beat a tough Milwaukee Bucks team last night. If the Rockets play with Jae’Sean Tate and P.J. Tucker’s energy, they should be able to contain the Pelicans tonight.

This matchup marks the end of the first quarter of this NBA season, as the Rockets will have played 18 out of their 72 regular season games. After a rough start, and adapting to continuing changes, Houston seems headed in the right direction. A win over a hot New Orleans team would give the Rockets a huge confidence boost to start this road trip, as the squad hasn’t been as good on the road compared to home. Regardless, it’s a matchup of two of the NBA’s hottest, evolving teams, finding their respective rhythms at the same time. Expect an entertaining Saturday night affair in the Big Easy… and appreciate the evolution.

 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (8-9):  Black

New Orleans Pelicans (7-10):  Red

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Rally, Hold-Off Blazers, 104-101, For 4th Straight Win

Comeback Kids.    Home Dipo.    Best-Kept Secret.

“Is that a thing?” Rockets Head Coach Stephen Silas replied after he was asked about the WOW (Wall, Oladipo, Wood) factor in Houston. The WOW Factor played together for the first time on Thursday night, as the Rockets stormed back from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Blazers, 104-101, and extend their winning streak to four games. Houston trailed by 15 after a miserable first quarter, but led by one at the half, and were able to hang on by the skin of their teeth for a nail biting victory. Damian Lillard dropped 30 points for Portland, but with no C.J. McCollum to save them this time, the Rockets were able to fend off the pesky Blazers. Victor Oladipo led Houston in scoring with 25 points. Christian Wood made another claim for this year’s Most-Improved Player. Wood posted a double-double again, which is starting to happen on a highly basis, notching 22 points while grabbing 12 boards. And John Wall chipped in with 20 points, and 6 dimes, as the Rockets improve to 8-9 on the season. Houston’s right in the thick of the playoff picture in the West. The squad needed a grind-out, comeback victory. And Thursday provided the Rockets with a character-building victory, as we approach the end of the first quarter of the season.

Since being traded to the Rockets, Victor Oladipo has felt right at home in Houston. And the Rockets have actually been a better team since they traded James Harden. The numbers don’t lie, and chemistry and mental toughness goes a long way into playing into whether or not a team’s capable of contending with the elite. Before the trade, Houston was 3-6, with the 22nd ranked defense. Since shipping their disgruntled superstar to the Big Apple, the Rockets are 5-3, with the top-ranked defense in the entire league. After the game, Wall made a subtle jab at Harden, mentioning the difficulties of reaching your goals when everyone doesn’t buy in. And he’s right, as Houston just looks like they’re having more fun without a ball-dominant player with Dennis Rodman-esque shenanigans off the court. The squad is still gelling chemistry-wise. This was the first game in which Oladipo, Wall, and Wood all played. Once these guys are more comfortable with each other, this Rockets team has the potential to be dangerous.

And despite new faces and new teammates on the court in Houston, the Rockets narrowly escaped an embarrassing loss to an injury-riddled Portland team at home. John Wall and co. escaped by the skin of their teeth, and will have to better as the squad hits the road for a five-game road trip starting on Saturday. These new-look, surging Rockets will face another team on the rise, the New Orleans Pelicans. After a slow start, Zion and the Pels are coming off an impressive win over the Milwaukee Bucks. It won’t be easy against Zion, the NBA’s next-best thing, and the Pelicans on Saturday night, but Houston’s capable of starting the road trip with a win in the Big Easy. And for those of you like Stephen Silas still asking if the NBA’s best-kept secret, Houston’s WOW Factor, is a thing, allow me to provide the answer… you bet it is. And it’s just getting started.

Rockets Host Blazers in Rematch of Opening-Night Thriller

Rare Rematch.    Prestigious Points.    One for the Road.

Houston hosts the Trail Blazers in a rematch of their Opening Night thriller in Portland, a classic game, arguably the best of this NBA season so far, and one which the Rockets lost in heartbreaking-fashion. The squad will look to turn the tables Thursday night, as they host the Blazers in these teams’ second meeting this season. This game is technically a rematch, it’s the same two franchises, but with very new looks. For Portland, they’re injury-riddled at the moment. Their second-best player, C.J. McCollum, who lit up the Rockets for 44 points in the opener, is out with an injury. The Blazers are also without Jusuf Nurkic, one of the most underrated big men in basketball. And for Houston, James Harden, who seemed to traded baskets with McCollum, is long gone for the Rockets. Instead, Portland faces Victor Oladipo, whose looked pretty good so far in Houston. And John Wall, who missed the opener due to health and safety protocols.

Despite the absence of McCollum, the Blazers still have Damian Lillard, the most underrated superstar in basketball, and a regular Rockets-killer. Dame Dollar usually has big games against the Rockets. He ended Houston’s season with that infamous shot in the playoffs in 2016. And expect Lillard to be ready to do heavy damage, especially with McCollum, his backcourt mate, out for the night. The key matchup on Thursday night is Wall vs. Lillard. How will Wall perform against one of the most prestigious point-guards in basketball? Mr. Wall’s pretty prestigious himself, as he’s shown on the court this season. Thursday night’s tussle should be intriguing as these two All-Stars go head-to-head. DeMarcus Cousins has looked like an All-Start since filling in for Christian Wood. The Rockets need another Boogie night if they want to fend off Portland’s Enes Kanter, one of the best offensive rebounders in the league.

After Thursday night’s matchup, six of Houston’s next seven games are on the road, including a five-game trip the Rockets begin on Saturday. Houston has performed much better at home as opposed to the road this season. The squad needs a win against an injury-riddled Blazers team. Portland’s still a dangerous team. Damian Lillard can beat the Rockets by himself if he has one of those “Dame Time” fourth quarters. Houston has a plan to counter a potential Lillard-explosion. Thursday night is the first time John Wall and Victor Oladipo will share the court as Rockets. It may take a little time, as most chemistry does, but Houston’s backcourt has the potential to be one of the NBA’s best, if they can stay healthy. The Rockets need to take advantage of McCollum’s absence for the Blazers. At 7-9, Houston is in a much better position improving to 8-9, instead of falling another step behind at 7-10 in the standings. The first game between these two Western foes was a classic, a double-overtime thriller, that unfortunately ended in a Houston loss. In the rarest of rematches, expect another thriller. Dame Dollar’s in Houston, the Rockets are testing out their new All-Star backcourt for the first time. Houston has health on their side, but the Blazers have a group that’s played together longer than these new-look Rockets. Regardless, just like on Opening Night… expect a thriller in Houston on Thursday night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Portland Trail Blazers (9-7):  Black

Houston Rockets (7-9):  Blue “City Edition”

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  TNT

Wall Street: Rockets Stump Wizards, 107-88, in Westbrook’s Return

Not Done Yet.    Beal… and the Bricks.    Seeing Progression.

“They watched me play… they thought I was done,” John Wall said after his Rockets beat his former team, the only squad he ever played for before joining Houston. The Rockets also might’ve shown the world they won the Wall-Westbrook. Russ may be the better player in some people’s eyes, but Wall’s certainly a better fit in Houston, especially with this new group. And these new-look Rockets blew out Westbrook’s Wizards, 107-88, on Tuesday night. John Wall led Houston with 24 points ad 5 assists. Victor Oladipo added 20 points, as he continues to integrate himself into Houston’s system. Eric Gordon and DeMarcus Cousins both continued to thrive on the court. EG scored 20 on, and proved he’s capable of winning the Sixth Man of the Year award this prove. Boogie had another tremendous night filling in for Christian Wood. Cousins once again showed flashes of vintage Boogie and dominated the paint, scoring 19 points while grabbing 11 boards for Houston. The former All-Star hit half of his eight shots from long range, and after a slow start to the season, is really showing he can be a viable role player, given he plays enough minutes to keep his rhythm.

Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 33 points, and Russell Westbrook chip in with 17 on 7-for017 shooting. But former teammates Beal and Wall both shot the same percentages, with Wall leading Houston over Washington, and Westbrook, the guy he got traded for. Other than Beal and Russ, the Wizards didn’t have enough firepower to stop a Rockets team playing its first game with Wall and Oladipo sharing the court. A game that so far, has been Houston’s best of this young season. It will be interesting to see what happens when the final piece of Houston’s big three, Christian Wood, returns from injury.

The victory gives the Rockets a 7-9 record, and puts them with a group of teams clustered in the West fighting for a playoff spot. It’s been a rough beginning to one of the strangest starts to kick-off a season in recent memory, to say the least, but after starting 3-6. Houston is now 4-3 since the James Harden trade, and still have yet to play a game this season at full strength. Once Wood returns, the Rockets can begin their journey to prove they’re much better than everyone believes. Coach Stephen Silas needs to be given a ton of credit. He’s done of a masterful job with the genius group of young players Houston’s GM Rafael Stone’s acquired in the off-season, and the biggest trade in Rockets history. The squad still needs to get fully healthy, to get an ideal grasp of their full potential, but with all the drama, chaos, and injuries, it’s impressive Houston sits at 7-9 in the standings. Things could be a lot worse. Houston no longer has James Harden as the face of the franchise, but as Wall proved with his play on Tuesday night… these Rockets aren’t done contending in the West.

Rockets Return Home, Host Wizards in Westbrook’s Return

Electric Vindication.    Black Magic.    Backcourt Premier?

This one feels personal. It was only a few months ago, that Russell Westbrook called Houston home. On Tuesday night, Brodie finally makes his lone trip to the place he briefly called home, as the Rockets meet the Wizards on Tuesday night. Washington has been plagued by the coronavirus, although the team is improving, the Wizards have played three fewer games than Houston. So far, the Rockets are lucky the virus has only postponed their opener. The NBA season’s in jeopardy if too many games get postponed. But looking from a Houston viewpoint, the commissioner Adam Silver’s smart enough to guide the league through another tumultuous season. The Rockets are coming off impressive back-to-back road wins over the weekend, especially a pounding of in-state rival Dallas. Don’t look at the records of Houston and Washington. Tonight, you can throw those out the window.

Expect Russell Westbrook to be fired up more than usual. Despite asking for the trade, every player loves lighting up his former team, especially on the road. And Brodie is an energetic and fiery as players come. The Rockets defense has to be stout on Tuesday night. They need to clog the driving lanes to force Westbrook to take mid-range or perimeter shots. DeMarcus Cousins needs to avoid foul trouble, as he’s the squad’s main big whose size can cause issues for Russ drives to the rim. As Houston fans witnessed last season, Brodie struggles mightily from the perimeter. So the further Westbrook is from the basket, the better for the Rockets. But that’s easier said than done. Brodie’s still one of the most explosive players in basketball.

Houston also has to contain Washington’s Bradley Beal. The other part of the Wizards star backcourt. Beal can score 50 points on any given night, so the Rockets main defensive focus has to be on Washington’s lethal backcourt. Houston may see its own starting backcourt play together for the first time tonight, as John Wall and Victor Oladipo are both expected to take the floor. Two of the newest Rockets have yet to share the court due to injuries, rest, corona, etc. But finally, tonight, Houston gets a look at what the future of Rockets basketball can accomplish. Lucky for Houston, the Wizards are without lethal bigs Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura. Bryant is out for the season due to an injury. Meanwhile, Hachimura is still out due to the league’s “health and safety protocols,” but he should be back soon enough for the Wizards. Tonight’s a battle of star backcourts, as the Rockets premier their All-Star backcourt against a lethal Bradley Beal, and a vindictive Russell Westbrook, triple-double machine who wants nothing more than to spoil Houston’s night. Regardless of the Wizards’ poor record in the East, Brodie returns to visit his former team for the first time… expect the action to get personal.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Washington Wizards (3-9):  Navy Blue

Houston Rockets (6-9):  Blue “City Edition”

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Boogie Nights:  Cousins, Gordon, Lead Rockets’ Route of Mavs, 133-108

In and Out.    Turning Back the Clock.    Built Different.

“Honestly, I came here to play with John Wall,” declared Marcus Cousins the night before James Harden was dealt in the blockbuster trade of the season. And with Victor Oladpio resting on the second night of a back-to-back, John Wall made a surprise appearances the Rockets smashed the Mavs, 33-108, on Saturday night. Wall missed the previous five games for Houston, and his presence defiantly had an effect on Boogie’s dominant night. Cousins loves playing with Wall, as they’re both stylish, and can be sneaky force to be reckoned with when both players are clicking. Chhristian Wood remained out with an injury, leaving the short-handed Rockets to pull off an improbable blowout-win.

Boogie had his best game in nearly two years, as Cousins put up All-Star numbers with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 assists. Once again filling in for a depleted backcourt, Eric Gordon had 28 points, including some vicious drives to the hoop. Wall started but played only 20 minutes, finishing with 7 points and 8 dimes. Houston will try and ease him back into action to prevent any further injuries. David Nwaba had 18 points, and Mason Jones once again proved why he deserves to stay with the squad scoring 16 points. Hopefully, the Rockets have been convinced that Jones earns a roste spot. The duo combined to shoot a stellar 12-for-15 from the field, including connecting on 5 of their shots from beyond the arc.

This was arguably the Rockets best win of the season. Short-handed on the road. The second night of a back-to-back. Against a likely playoff team this season, in Dallas. Houston didn’t just win, they gave the Mavs a 25-point beatdown. Besides Gordon, Cousins, Nwaba, and Jones, Jae-Sean Tate and P.J.Tucker fueled the squad’s energy, and finished with 6 points east. In what perhaps was the highlight of the game, K.J. Martin Jr. climbed “Boban Mountain”, blocking 7’4 Boban Marjanovic in the second quarter. Martin Jr. finished with 8 points in his best game of the young season.

Victor Oladipo and John Wall could play together for the first time on Tuesday night, when these built-different Rockets host Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards. It’s a big-time game, as Brodie visits Houston for the first time since he was traded for… John Wall… in the offseason. Who won the trade? It’s tough to tell at the moment. Both players have missed significant time with injuries. However, I think Wall fits Coach Stephen SIlas’ system better than Westbrook. Therefore, I think Houston made the right swap.. if Wall can stay healthy. And the Rockets need more vintage Boogie Nights like the performance from Cousins on Saturday. Well.. Houston has the guy Boogie came to town to play with, the same man ready to battle Russell Westbrook in a heated Tuesday-night thriller… John Wall.

Rockets Visit Mavs, Renew I-10 Rivalry

Quicksand.    Battle of Tired Legs.    Improbable Dream.

“You tend to breathe hard when you get excited,” Mel Gibson says as the titular character in the film Maverick. And as the Rockets, fresh off a hard-fought, breathless win over the Pistons, visit Dallas to take on the Mavs. It’s the second night of a back-to-back, for both teams. Dallas won a close game in San Antonio last night. Expect Houston’s test in Dallas between these Texas rivals to be a battle of tired legs. The Rockets put on an all-around team effort in their gutsy win over the Pistons, as they avoided a disastrous collapse. Houston can’t afford to play games like they did in Detroit. Not with Luka Doncic and the Mavs, otherwise the Rockets will find themselves growing in quicksand. Tonight’s game will require everyone in Rockets white to leave it all on the floor. Houston is still severely undermanned, and are the obvious underdogs in tonight’s Texas-tussle.

The Rockets escaped the first part of this back-to-back with a nail biting win in Detroit. If this game in Dallas is close, Houston’s in trouble. But the improbable dream of going undefeated this weekend remains in reach. Luka Doncic has had a somewhat underwhelming start to the season, but is starting to heat up, and play like the MVP most expected him to be this year. Luka’s a closer, and if this one’s close, the Rockets will have to pray Doncic has an off-night. Otherwise, Houston will have to settle for a 1-1 split over this shorthanded road back-to-back. Expect David Nwaba, Jae’Sean Tate, and a handful of Rocket players to take turns trying to stop one of the NBA’s most lethal players. Kevin Porter Jr. won’t make his debut tonight, as it could be some time before the young newcomer makes his debut. Porter Jr. hasn’t played all season, and needs to get in game-shape before considering taking the court for some minutes.

Hopefully, this is the last game the Rockets play with John Wall sidelined. Coach Stephen Silas said Wall is expected back after the weekend, and with two days off after tonight, don’t be surprised to see Wall ready to take on the only other team he’s played for… the Washington Wizards, on Tuesday night. For now, Houston is still without Wall and Wood. Hopefully Oladipo can put on a show reminiscent of his Rockets debut in Chicago on Monday, when he scored 32 points with 9 dimes. Houston needs Victor to play up to his All-Star capability, and the Rockets as a team need to, as Sterling Brown said, “just go get it”, in reference to the basketball, the game, the win. Dallas won the first matchup earlier this season in Houston, 113-100, giving the Rockets their first home loss. This was way back when Houston still had a guy named James Harden. As for tonight, whoever wants it more, breathes harder, and plays like their life’s on the line wins this matchup. And who knows? With the parity ton start this NBA season, we could be in for an upset in Texas… it’s time to get excited.

 

American Airlines Center:  Dallas, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (5-9):  White

Dallas Mavericks (8-7):  Green

 

TV:  8 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Survive Late to Hold Off Pistons, 103-102, Snap Skid

Seven Samurai.    Sterling Survivors.    Boogie Frights.    

“Consider who we’re dealing with here. Give a wolf a taste of your leg and he’ll ask for your hand.” One of the best quotes from the legendary film, Seven Samurai. And a message that reminded me of Houston narrows escape from the Motor City with a 103-102 win over the Pistons on Friday night. The Rockets burst out of the gates in Detroit, grabbing a 34-21 lead after the first quarter, and even built a 20-point lead on then worst team in the NBA. But, that familiar bad-habit from Houston teams of past showed up. These hard-playing, gritty, new-look Rockets slowly let the Pistons back in the game. By halftime, Houston’s lead was cut to 8 points. And Detroit would eventually grab a 6-point lead late in the fourth-quarter, when it looked like the Pistons would pull-off the rally. Luckily for the Rockets, this was an all-out team effort tonight, and the squad was determined to end their losing streak Houston had a balanced scoring attack, with seven players scoring in double-figures.

Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 20 points, despite going 1-for-6 from distance. P.J. Tucker found his rhythm, scoring 15 points, and connecting on 5 of his 8 shots from deep. P.J.’s shooting has taken a huge dip this season. Houston needs more showings from Tucker where he strokes the ball with efficiency. Victor Oladipo, Jae’Sean Tate, and David Nwaba all chipped in with 13 points for the offense. But the Rockets do NOT win this game without Sterling Brown. This season’s new arrival from Milwaukee showed once again what Brown can do for Houston. And that’s hit clutch, and be ready for big moments. Brown scored 8 of his 14 points in the final frame, including nailing a few huge threes. Sterling was stellar from beyond the arc, knocking down 4 of his 6 shots from long range. Brown also grabbed 5 of his 8 rebounds (including 3 offensive) in the fourth. His play’s evidence Brown deserves spot in the rotation when, or if, this team ever gets fully-healthy.

DeMarcus Cousins spot in the rotation is necessary due to his size, but his caliber-of-play recently could suggest otherwise. Prayers up that Christian Wood heals as quickly as possible, and can resume action soon. Boogie, quite simply, has been terrible over the last few games. The former All-Star’s definitely lost more than just a step. Granted, he’s coming off injury problems, but Boogie’s seemed to age two years in this early season alone. He looked great to start the season. But since Harden left, Cousins has been hard to watch. He’s seemed to lost the ability to finish around the rim. Boogie has struggled mightily to make a shot around the basket. Cousins did grab 15 boards and dish out 7 dimes, but shot a horrendous 2-for-16 from the floor. Absolutely disgusting. Unless he’s wide open for a dunk, Boogie needs to transfer his mindset from scoring, and focus on passing the ball and being the best rebounder Houston can suit up at the moment. Cousins has always been a great passer, and his size allows him to bang with the biggest of NBA bodies. But his days of putting up big scoring numbers are over. And his lack fo ability to finish even the closest layups almost cost Houston a game they should have won easily. The contest ended on an officials review after it was deemed a foul called on P.J. Tucker occurred after the game ended. Had it been another story, the Rockets would’ve sent Detroit’s leading scorer Jerami Grant to the line for a chance to win the game. Thankfully, the refs got the right call, and Houston escaped with the narrow victory. After building a comfortable lead, the Rockets gave the Pistons a taste of what a comeback victory would feel like, with Detroit almost taking that dance. Thankfully, Houston never truly offered their hand. Up next is a dance the Rockets have no choice but to accept: Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Get ready for a Saturday Night Dance… Texas-style.

Short-Handed Rockets Aim to Snap Skid, Visit Pistons in Detroit

Double-Dip.    The Lucas Effect.    Same Approach, New Look.

The Rockets hit the road again for a back-to-back this weekend in Detroit and Dallas. It all begins tonight, as Houston visits the Motor City to take on the Pistons, the team with the NBA’s worst record. After suffering an ankle sprain in their last game, Christian Wood will miss at least this weekend, and probably more time. So, once again, the squad will be short-handed, with a new group of starters yet to be revealed this season. Houston has to play hard, and realize even with all the injuries, the Rockets are still better than the Detroit Pistons. But the team with the worst record is no joke. They still boast Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, and sea of players who could have the game of their life against Houston. Looking at the bigger picture, the Rockets have to win this game tonight, as tomorrow night’s task in Dallas will be exponentially harder.

Houston signed troubled, young guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Thursday. The Rockets waived Chris Clemons to clear a roster sport for Porter Jr., who is coming from the Cleveland Cavaliers, after he was kicked off their team following an outburst in the locker room. Porter Jr.’s blithe attitude has obviously not worked well in Cleveland. Houston plans to make the best out of this talented youngster. The Rockets idea is to have assistant coach John Lucas work closely with the newcomer. Lucas has a history of helping players in the NBA and NFL get their careers back on track. More importantly, Lucas has been the steady, even-keeled master who keeps his apprentice, the NBA’s most lethal sixth man, Eric Gordon, in a clear mental state. Gordy doesn’t say much, as P.J. Tucker discussed recently, but it’s clear all the time spent working with Lucas during warm-ups and practice has kept Gordon from going insane. Along with Tucker, Gordon is the only other Rocket who’s been here to see Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook’s brief reigns in Houston. They also witnessed the best and worst of the Harden era. An era during which it must have been tough on Gordon, given the inconsistent amount of touches EG would get on a nightly basis. Now, as he said after Harden was traded, he, and the team, can finally move forward.

Well, the Rockets have been moving backwards as of late. Skidding their way into the Motor City on a three-game losing streak, Houston hopes a meeting with the league’s worst will help right the ship a bit before they visit their I-10 Rivals in Dallas tomorrow. The game-plan is simple: play hard. Like your life depends on it. The team that plays harder wins tonight’s battle in Detroit. And without John Wall, and now Christian Wood, Houston is going to have to play harder than ever. Hopefully Victor Oladipo can lead the way, and have a sensational game like he did in his debut. The Rockets are going to lean on Oladipo like they used to lean on James Harden. Maybe, Vic can have a special night tonight, and carry the team. Houston needs him to play like a star if they want to get a victory this weekend.

 

Little Caesars Arena:  Detroit, Michigan

 

Jersey Colors:

Detroit Pistons (3-11):  Blue

Houston Rockets (4-9):  White

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW       

Rockets Get Burned By Suns, 109-103, Drop Third Straight

Another One Bites the Dust.    Patiently Waiting.    Digging Out.

Houston returned home, and lost not only their third straight, but also their upstart star center, Christian Wood, who went down with an ankle sprain in the loss. The Rockets were outplayed for nearly the entire game, made the exercise somewhat interesting down the stretch, but ran out of gas, dropping their third game in a row, at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker scored 24 points, but it was DeAndre Ayton, who’s 26 points and 17 boards really helped Phoenix maintain control of the match. Along with 5 other Suns players in a balanced Phoenix attack. Houston especially had no answer for Ayton, who dominated on both ends of the floor, and feasted once Wood left the game. Unfortunately, Wood could miss several weeks, although nothing is officially confirmed at this time. DeMarcus Cousins will have to step up in Wood’s absence. Boogie has struggled mightily the last few games. Maybe more minutes and a starting role with get the former All-Star back in his groove.

For now, the Rockets will have to wait patiently. John Wall is expected to return after the weekend’s back-to-back. A trip on which Wood won’t be traveling, leaving Houston once again shorthanded, and looking at another new starting lineup. If this team can ever get Wall, Wood, and Victor Oladipo on the court at the same time, the Rockets can truly show their potential. Until then, we’ll truly never know how good this group can be. We’ll just have to wait patiently. Hopefully not too long.

The Rockets have spent too many games this season taking way too long digging themselves out of early holes. This was once again the case against the Suns. Houston trailed by as many as 20, only to make it a game in the final minutes by cutting the deficit to two points. Oladipo and co. couldn’t climb over the Suns, and came up short. Houston next plays the team with the worst record in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons, before taking on a much better Dallas Mavericks group the next day. Despite being once again direly short-handed, the Rockets have to go at least 1-1 over this upcoming back-to-back. Houston’s starting to dig themselves a hole they might not be able to escape. The Rockets are 4-9. They can’t afford to fall to 4-11. 6-9 would be great, but that’s asking a lot out of this shorthanded young group on the second night of a back-to-back. Houston needs to win the game in Detroit, even shorthanded, if they play hard enough, the Rockets have the ability to beat the Pistons. It’s the closest thing to a must-win this early in the season. This team can’t afford to lose many more games. Otherwise… they may not have a chance at returning to the playoffs this year.