Month: February 2021

Sinking Ship:  Rockets Drop 10th Straight, Lose to Raptors, 122-111, in Tampa Bay

Groundhog Day.    Youth Movement.    Selling Mode.

Just like the previous nine games, Houston failed to claim a victory on Friday night, falling to the Raptors in Tampa Bay, 122-111, as the skid reaches ten games. The longest losing streak in franchise history in 20 years. And just like many of the games during this streak, Houston fell behind early, tried to mount a comeback, but came up on the short end of the stick. John Wall had 21 points and 12 dimes for the Rockets, and Victor Oladipo was solid with 27 points, but Houston didn’t have enough firepower to match Toronto’s arsenal. Normal Powell had one of his best games of the season, leading the Raptors with 30 points. Fred VanVleet added 25 points, and Kyle Lowry had  20-point triple double. Toronto’s triple-headed backcourt monster simply outplayed Houston’s (Wall, Oladipo, Gordon). The Rockets will have to be better next game against a weaker Grizzlies team.

The youth movement has officially arrived in Houston. It was announced that Kevin Porter Jr. and K.J. Martin and both expected to rejoin the squad after they finish up their time in the G-League. Both have looked spectacular, especially Porter, for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but they have a ways to go before making a major impact on the NBA-level. Hopefully they can mature sooner than possible. Right now, the Rockets need all the help they can muster.

Friday’s loss drops Houston to 11-20, 14th in the Western Conference, and despite being only 5 games out of a playoff spot, the Rockets are approaching selling mode. Waiving DeMarcus Cousins was the latest sign, and more could come sooner than expected. The P.J. Tucker and Victor Oladipo trade rumors are getting hotter and trendier with each passing day. It’ll be sad to see P.J. go, especially after all he’s done the last 3 and half seasons for the Rockets. Hopefully, they find a way to keep him, but that’s wishful thinking. Tucker’s time in Houston is likely nearing its end. And despite their record, the season’s not over yet for the Rockets. However, all it takes is a few more losses piled onto this streak, and Houston will end their season themselves.

Rockets Travel to Tampa Bay, Aim to Hunt Upstart Raptors

Dinosaur Relocation.    Avoiding the Dreaded Ten.    Backcourt Firepower.

Houston tries to put an end to their dead-streak, a season-high nine straight losses, as they travel to Tampa Bay to face the Toronto Raptors. Due to coronavirus, Toronto was forced to play their home games in Tampa Bay this season, as Canadian officials wouldn’t allow the team to stay up north, keeping the NBA, and the risk of spreading the virus that comes with the league, out of the country. The Raptors have lost two straight, but before that were rolling after a slow start to the season. Toronto now finds themselves in the thick of the playoff race out East.

The Rockets are still without Christian Wood, but hopefully Victor Oladipo’s improved play in the previous game will carry over, and give John Wall and Eric Gordon, the mainstays who have carried the offensive load for Houston, some help. This game won’t be much different from the previous nine. The Rockets can win if they play hard enough and smart enough. They can also get blown out, as we’ve witnessed almost nine times in a row.

Tonight’s game comes down to a battle of backcourts, as Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and Norman Powell form the Raptors’ triple threat on the perimeter. Powell and VanVleet are having breakout seasons, and Lowry is still playing at an All-Star caliber level. Wall, Gordon, and Oladipo will have to be the better trio if Houston wants to escape the Bay with a victory on Friday night. The squad’s not quite dead yet. However, another loss, and pushing the skid to double figures, would almost seemingly kill the spirit of a team… especially one fighting to stay alive for playoff contention.

 

Amalie Arena:  Tampa Bay, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-19):  White

Toronto Raptors (16-17):  Red

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Way Too Cavalier:  Rockets Self-Destruct in Third Quarter, Fall to Cavs, 112-96, for 9th Straight Loss

Sized Up.    9 Lives.    Rewriting the Script.

In their first game since parting ways with center DeMarcus Cousins, the Rockets immediately felt sized-up. Cleveland’s Jarret Allen dominated with 26 points and 18 boards, as the Rockets had no answer for the Cavs’ big man of the future. John Wall scored 20 points to lead Houston, and Eric Gordon and Victor Oladipo each chipped in 17 a pair, but the Rockets were dominated in the paint, in a game they could’ve won. Houston led at the half, but a disastrous third quarter let the game get out of reach, as the Cavs cruised to a 112-96 victory in the final period. The loss is the Rockets’ ninth in a row, a league-high. Houston can only hope Christian Wood returns as soon as possible, or it may be time to seriously embrace the tank, as getting a top-4 pick in this year’s draft seems more and more possible with each loss.

Comparable to the losses during this skid, the Rockets started this game down double-figures, trailing by 10 points after the first quarter. But, the squad regrouped, and entered the half with a 2-point lead. Too bad they couldn’t come out with the same energy, as a miserable third quarter put this game in the losing column for Houston. If they had nine lives, the Rockets have used all of them. Any more losses, and this season will evolve into a preparatory session for next season. 

It continues to appear that the Rockets have hit rock bottom, but as the skid grows longer, we’ll never really know when they’ve hit their low point, until this squad can string four quarters together for a win. This latest loss to the Cavs could, and should, be rock bottom, but the schedule gets tougher, with games coming up against teams intent on making the playoffs, the Raptors and the Grizzlies. Hopefully, the squad can end the misery and secure a victory for some pride. Losing streaks are embarrassing. Double-digit losing streaks are historically embarrassing. Houston looks to get off the wrong side of history as they continue their road trip to a place they usually don’t part ways for during the season: Tampa Bay, the Raptors home for this season.

Rockets Hit Cleveland to Fight Cavaliers, Praying to End Skid

A Tale of Two Cities.    No Time to Lose.    Last Chance.

“The world is arming faster than we can respond,” M says in Daniel Craig’s final bow as 007 in this fall’s upcoming masterpiece, No Time to Die. And as the Rockets take on a Cavaliers team that’s been one of the worst since LeBron James left, Hosuton’s last chance to save their season is tonight. A loss to the lowly Cavs, and at 11-19 through 30 games, the Rockets may as well go for tanking with 42 games left. If Christian Wood, John Wall, and Victor Oladipo are never going to see the court together, Houston’s chances this season are already dead. Ironically when the WOW Factor all play together (Wood, Oladipo, and Wall), the Rockets are undefeated, at 3-0. Sure, a small sample size, but it’s just a taste of what the squad’s potential could be if they could only assemble a full roster on the court. But in today’s day and age of resting on back-to-backs, and the coronavirus still hanging over the season, this year is the hardest in NBA history for any team to keep its full roster in tact. Houston with more injuries than the average team this season (like usual), is feeling the worst of this oddest of NBA seasons. The Rockets will try and snap their 8-game losing streak tonight in Cleveland, a game they’re more than capable of winning.

And Houston needs a victory tonight. A loss to Cleveland sports in general is embarrassing. Houston used to be a competitive sports team. And seemingly overnight, they’ve gone into full-rebuild mode with their pro sports teams. Especially, these Rockets, and everyone in the sports world has heard about the burning building set on fire by a preacher, the location known as the Houston Texans headquarters. The Rockets, fortunately, are in a better position than the Texans, but if they want any chance at sneaking into a playoff spot, they have to win tonight. It’s the 30th game of the season. Against another bad team. Although Cleveland getting better with their upstart backcourt, nicknamed “Sexland”, with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland leading the charge for the Cavs as one of the best young backcourts in the league.

The Rockets are going to need a bug game from John Wall if Houston wants to finally get a win on the board. Hopefully Wall’s driven enough to take these youngsters to school, and have a dominant performance, but if he doesn’t get help from teammates, particularly knocking down shots, and hustle, Houston will be in trouble. In Cleveland of all places. I didn’t think I’d say that for a long time. But time passes quicker with each day. And the NBA is armed up, loaded with teams primed with potential for bright futures. Most teams in the league are revving up, and getting better. Even the Knicks. There’s no more time to lose. The season’s on the line tonight… it’s time for the Rockets to respond.

 

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse:  Cleveland, Ohio

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-18):  White

Cleveland Cavaliers (11-21):  Maroon

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Fateful Eight:  Rockets Thrashed by Bulls, 120-100, as Losing Streak Continues

Sliding On.    Franchise of Years’ Past.    Embrace the Tank.

“It’s a pride thing. It’s a togetherness thing,” Houston Coach Stephen Silas said after the Rockets eighth straight loss, in blowout fashion, to the lowly Chicago Bulls. If you thought Houston hit rock bottom earlier in the season. This game cemented that position. As the slide continues and the Rockets continue to get blown out by bad teams, and with a record of 11-18, the season is simply a lost cause. Coby White led the Bulls with 24 points, and Zach LaVine scored 21, as another undermanned Houston team simply didn’t have enough firepower, falling to Chicago 120-100. David Nwaba led the Rockets with 22 points and 9 boards, but without Oladipo, Wood, Cousins, the squad simply is severely undermanned on nightly basis to compete at a high level. Injuries are a part of the business. And the Rockets got dealt the worst of hand this season.

The current eight-game skid is the longest in Rockets history since the 1999/2000 season, when Steve Francis, aka “The Franchise” was in his second year hoping to be the franchise player he never quite turned out to be. That season the Houston lost 15 games straight, in the season where everyone got sick (Francis had Meniere’s disease. This sounds eerily familiar. In a season where the Rockets have players out with injury, health and safety protocols, and rest, 2000 was the beginning of a rebuild for Houston, and it looks like 2021 is turning out to be the same.

So Rockets fans, embrace the tank. Hopefully the squad is torrid enough, and can somehow snag a lottery pick if it’s a top-4 pick this upcoming draft. Meaning if they finish with one of the four worst records, they’ll have a chance. And embrace P.J. Tucker. Houston’s going back to a small-ball lineup with Tucker at center since DeMarcus Cousins was released. And it’s a sign that P.J. might be the next to go. The Rockets are obviously fully committed to the rebuild. And Tucker deserves a chance at a ring. Houston owes him that for all the hustle, passion, and grit he provided every night as a Rocket. Hopefully, Tucker stays, the team magically turns this season around, and Christian Wood’s return boosts them into a playoff spot. But at the moment, that seems highly unlikely. Houston’s not together as a unit. The surprising Cousins ditch was the final sign the front office is giving up on this season. But, as a group of mainly, young, gritty, hard-working players… the Rockets can’t afford to lose their pride. Up next is the Cleveland Cavaliers. And another blowout loss on Wednesday could signify Houston doesn’t have any pride left. Hopefully they can come together, and try and save their season. With each loss, the Rockets are nearing elimination, even though it’s not even halfway through the season yet. Houston’s dug themselves too deep a hole… one they won’t be able to climb out of together.

Rockets Host Bulls After Weekend Delays

Needed Break.    Boogie Down.    Back to Work.    

Sometimes all you need to get back on track is a break. And the Houston Rockets got an unexpected one this weekend as both of their home games against Dallas and Indiana were postponed due to the inclement weather that hit Texas earlier this week. Hopefully, a little time-off can get the squad back on track. The Rockets host the Bulls tonight, as they try to get revenge for their loss in Chicago earlier this season in Victor Oladipo’s debut. Oladipo will remain out of the lineup tonight, along with Christian Wood, who’s still nursing that ankle injury. And DeMarcus Cousins, after some unexpected news, won’t be playing, and soon won’t be a member of the roster.

It was announced that Boogie and Houston have decided to part ways. Although it’s only a rumor at this point, all signs point to the Rockets releasing Cousins in a matter of days. Houston extended his contract to show respect to the veteran. And Boogie wasn’t a bad fit with the Rockets, Houston is just clearly looking towards rebuilding mode. Cousins is nearing the end of his career, and he wants to chase a title before his playing window has closed. What does this all mean? Well, basically the Rockets need a big-man. A back-up of some sort who can do damage and protect the paint when Wood is absent. Look for Houston to sign another big man soon, after the Cousins announcement is made official.

As mentioned earlier, the Rockets lost the first matchup with the Bulls this season, which took place in Chicago. Maybe the friendly confines, and a little break for this wounded Houston team can get the Rockets back on track. The Bulls aren’t world-beaters. It’s not an impossible assumption to think Houston can win tonight. And the Rockets would love nothing more to put an end to their torrid seven-game losing streak. We’ll find out if they can accomplish that tonight against Chicago.. maybe all the squad needed was a little break.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Chicago Bulls (13-16):  White

Houston Rockets (11-17):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Another Sin:  Losing Streak Hits Seven, as Rockets’ Rally in Philly Falls Short, Cave to Sixers, 118-113

Lost Season.    Assembling Parts.    Needed Break.

Even without their All-Star point guard Ben Simmons, Philly had plenty enough firepower to dismantle a crumbling Houston team, as the Sixers beat the Rockets 118-113 on Wednesday night. Houston simply can’t be a competitive team until their franchise player, Christian Wood, returns from injury. Joel Embiid dominated a weak Houston frontcourt, and the final score was nowhere indicative of this game’s competitiveness. Philly dominated from start to fijnish, as most teams have during the longest losing streak in Rockets history in a long time. Hopefully, the skid will end soon.

Houston caught a lucky break, as their weekend back-to-back with the Mavericks and Pacers was postponed, due tom the inclement weather and winter storm that grid-locked Texas this week. The Rockets should be back in action on Monday night against a Bulls team, where Houston will be looking to avenge an earlier season loss in Victor Oladipo’s stellar Rockets’ debut.

For now, the team has to hope this added time off can get guys healthy, and the squad can get closer to a clean bill of health. With a clean slate and no injuries… the sky’s truly the limit for Houston. But without a full roster… the Rockets will continue to crumble until the season ends.

Houston Hopes to End their Skid with Impressive Win in Philly, as Rockets Battle the Sixers

Morey Bowl.    Beasts of the East.    Questionable Gordon.

They say you sometimes we do our best work when no one’s watching. Well, as many Houstonians remain without power, and unable to watch tonight’s game, the Rockets will try to shock the basketball world, as most of Houston remain’s grid-locked. The Rockets end their three game road trip in Philadelphia, as Houston looks to put a stop to their six game losing streak with a win over the 76ers tonight. The Sixers are managed by former Rockets GM Daryl Morey, who spent 12 seasons as a sensational executive for Houston. Both sides will no doubt be looking for a bit of revenge in tonight’s matchup. There’s no question Morey was forced out of the scene in Houston, I don’t think he ever wanted to leave. Morey will have a great chance to get back at Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, as the Sixers are atop the standings in the Eastern Conference, and pose a legit threat to make a Finals run this season.

If Houston wants any chance at beating the Sixers tonight, they’ll need to shoot it much better from beyond the arc. Philly is one of the better three-point shooting teams in the league, boasting a plethora of assassins from beyond the arc on their roster. The Rockets will also have to pray Joel Embiid, who missed the Sixers’ last game, doesn’t play tonight. Embiid is Philly’s best player, and one fo the best big-men in basketball. His size and interior threat is a nightmare matchup for this short-handed Houston team. If Embiid can’t give it a go, the Rockets will have less to worry about, but tonight’s matchup will difficult for Houston regardless of who plays.

Houston would love to see Eric Gordon back on the court. EG is questionable for tonight’s tilt in Philly, and with Victor Oladipo and Christian Wood still out, EG returning and providing a playmaking-surge for the Rockets may be the key for a Houston upset-victory tonight. Without Gordon, the Rockets will be as shorthanded as they were last game in D.C. EG provides a boost on both ends for the squad. He’s needed tonight, especially against a Philly squad with plenty of solid perimeter scorers. If Splash Gordon can give it a go, John Wall and the Rockets have a chance to pull the upset. Otherwise tonight in Philly, putting a stop to their losing streak might just be a dream for Houston. No one’s watching tonight, Rockets… go out and give your best effort.

 

Wells Fargo Center:  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-16):  Red

Philadelphia 76ers (18-10):  White

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Wall’s Rockets Out-Dueled by Beal’s Wizards 131-119, Houston’s Skid Reaches Six

Late Scratches and Little Firepower.    Dying From a Distance.    Waiting for Wood.    

John Wall returned to the D.C. area to play for the first time in a uniform not representing the Wizards. Wall was fine in his return, notching season-highs of 29 points and 11 dimes, but the Rockets didn’t have enough firepower against Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook, and the Washington Wizards. Eric Gordon was a late scratch for this game, leaving short-handed Houston in a precarious position, as the Rockets fell to the Wizards, 131-119, on Monday night. All fife starters scored in double-figures for Hosuton, but without Gordon, Victor Oladipo, and Christian Wood, the Rockets were too handicapped to beat a sub-par Wizards team. Bradley Beal led Washington with 37 points, while Westbrook had another triple-double, as the Wizards led this one pretty much from the opening tip.

The Rockets have been downright terrible from beyond the arc in their recent losses. If the shots aren’t falling from the perimeter, Houston has to drive the ball to the rack, and settle for the easy layup or dunk. This three-point addiction the Rockets have is poisonous, and in many situations the downfall of the team in most of their losses. If the squad can play old-school basketball, and look for the best shot available, they’ll finally start trending in the right direction.

Now, if we’re being completely honest, this Houston team won’t be making any noise without Christian Wood. Despite John Wall’s stellar achievements as an All-Star, Wood is in his mid-20’s and has shown he’s the future of the franchise. The Rockets have to try their best as they continue to wait for Wood to get healthy. And there’s no sense in rushing him back. Houston needs to make sure their franchise player is fully-healthy, hoping these were the last of his injuries, before they push his return to the court. Wood will know when he’s ready. And the Rockets will be in much better shape with him on the floor. But for now, Houston will just have to settle for middling returns, and pray they can maybe get a few wins while Wood recovers. It doesn’t get any easier as the Rockets head to Philly to take on the East’s top team, the Sixers, managed by none-other than Daryl Morey, who was a sensational GM in Houston for more than a decade. It should be fun, hopefully the Rockets can make Wednesday night’s Morey-Bowl more competitive than Monday night’s downer in D.C.

Rockets Visit a Familiar Face, Look to End Losing Streak

Wall’s Return.    No Easy Beal.    Must-Win?

John Wall and the Rockets visit Wall’s former team, the Washington Wizards, and Russell Westbrook on Monday night. The Wizards are the only franchise Wall played for before arriving in Houston. Expect a video dedication of some sort for the All-Star guard who spent many years in a Wizards uniform. For now, Wall will be looking to put a damper on the Wizards’ night, and beat former teammate Bradley Beal, who’s having the best season of his career. Despite the 7-17 record and last place positioning in the Eastern Conference, the Wizards still have two All-Stars in Westbrook and Beal, and Washington’s coming off an impressive win over the Celtics last night.

Houston has the rest advantage, having not played since Saturday. And the Wizards have been one of the worst teams to start this regular season. Despite all this, tonight’s contest in D.C. will be no easy task for the Rockets. Bradley Beal scores more than anyone, leading the league in points per game this season. Beal, along with Westbrook, can go off and carry their team on any given night. Other than those two, Rui Hachimura will be an inside threat in the post for the Wizards, and if Houston can’t start rebounding better, D.C.’s young big-man could go-off for a big night on the glass.

Is tonight a must-win game for the Rockets? They’re 11-15 in the standings, currently skidding on a five-game losing streak. The Wizards are the worst team in the East, and they played last night. You would think the Rockets could put it together for four quarters and beat this Wizards team. I believe they can. But they’ll have to show us they can defeat the Washington’s magic on the court tonight. Get ready for an entertaining show in John Wall’s return to face Westbrook and the Wiz in D.C.

 

Capital One Arena:  Washington D.C.

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-15):  “City Edition” Blue

Washington Wizards (7-17):  Dark Blue/Navy

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW