Rockets Visit an Old-Rival, Intent on Striking Back to the Winning Side
Old-School Rivals. Sliding Dubs. Payback.
On Saturday night, the Rockets travel to the still-hated Golden-State Warriors to try and deliver some timely payback for all the past playoff pain the Dubs caused Houston. While these may not be the rivals during the James Harden era, both teams find themselves on bait of a landslide. After creeping closer to playoff contention, Golden State has now lost four of their last five contests, and are slowly sliding into the NBA lottery. The Rockets meanwhile, are lottery bound. And there’s nothing more Houston would love to do than ensure the Dubs will be in the same position as season’s end. A victory over the Warriors tonight would severely hamper their hopes of making the playoffs.
Despite the record, the Rockets have seriously playing with more heart and energy ion recent games. Kelly Olynyk has become a godsend, and’s basically cemented his part in the rotation, as long as Houston makes the smart move and holds on to the versatile, veteran big-man after the season. His chemistry with Christian Wood is improving with each game, and given time, the two could provide a unique, special inside presence for the Rockets. John Wall returns for the second half of this back-to-back. Expect the Rockets to play with more heart, and possibly ruin the Dubs’ playoff hopes.
` Well, it’s time for payback. Starting tonight, 20 games remain for Houston. It’s time to finish strong. Snagging Cade Cunningham in the draft is going to take a lot of luck, regardless of the squad’s record. It;’s time to get a win. Against the Warriors. A team I used to really hate, but now just dislike. They ruined so many of our past seasons in the James Harden era, they basically ran him out of town. It’s time for these new-look Rockets to ruin Golden State’s season… it’s Saturday night Payback Night in the Bay, Houston-style.
Chase Center: San Francisco, California
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (14-38): Red
Golden State Warriors (24-28): “City Edition” Navy
TV: 9 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass