Month: February 2022

Rockets Host Raptors in Final Home Game Before All-Star Break

Red-Hot Dinos.    Home Farewell.    Search for Dominion.

Houston returns to Toyota Center for their final home game before the All-Star break. Awaiting them are the red-hot Toronto Raptors, winners of seven straight games. After a back-and-forth start, Toronto has moved up the standings in the crowded East. The Dinos have another top rookie from this year’s past draft class, Scottie Barnes, who was selected fourth. Barnes is quietly having an outstanding rookie season and looks to be a future All-Star in this league.

The Rockets aim to get one last victory at home before they head off on a three-game road trip out West after tonight’s contest. Houston is coming off back-to-back losses to the New Orleans Pelicans, and right now, the Rockets look like a team in need of a break. Houston’s search for dominion continues, as they struggle to put four quarters together.

Jalen Green and company will attempt to take advantage of a slightly undermanned Toronto team. The Raptors traded Goran Dragic to San Antonio earlier today, but the Dinos still have plenty of weapons to wreak havoc in Houston. The Rockets were quiet on deadline day. Houston dealt Daniel Theis back to Boston in exchange for point guard Dennis Schroder. Countering many predictions, Christian Wood and Eric Gordon weren’t dealt. In an unexpected move, the squad waved Armoni Brooks. So this is the squad Houston will be rolling with for the rest of the season. And like they’ve done all season, this Rockets team wins when people least expect. The Raptors, winners of seven in a row, roll into Toyota Center. No chance for Houston, right? Something tells me this game will be closer than people think. It’s the last home game for the Rockets for over two weeks, look for the squad to be ready to give the fans a show.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Toronto Raptors (30-23):  Red

Houston Rockets (15-39):  Navy “City Edition”

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Trounced by Pelicans, 110-97, in the Big Easy

Same Duo.    Out of Gas.    Deadline Approaches.

The Rockets fell to the New Orleans Pelicans, 110-97, on Tuesday night. The same lethal duo of Brandon Ingram and Jaxson Hayes once again proved to be the biggest thorns Houston’s side. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Rockets with 27 points, while Christian Wood added 19 points. This contest was never really close, with Houston basically trailing from start-to-finish.

Houston appears to be a team out of gas as they approach the All-Star Break. Only four games remain before the break. And they’re all against elite opponents. The Rockets will try and muster a win and upset one of the NBA’s hotter teams before the league reaches intermission.

Tuesday night was the last game before the trade deadline for Houston. While Christian Wood and Eric Gordon have been the names discussed most in rumor mills, anything can happen on deadline day. The trade deadline is officially at 2 PM CT on Thursday afternoon. The Rockets host the Toronto Raptors in their final game before the All-Star break as well on Thursday.

Rockets Seek Different Results, Face Pelicans in Big Easy Rematch

Second Shot.    Contain Action Jaxson.    Road Warriors Remix.

Houston travels to New Orleans for a rematch with the Pelicans on Tuesday night. These teams are coming off a Sunday night battle, which the Pelicans won, 120-107. The Rockets will attempt to be more worthy adversaries on the road in tonight’s contest as they get a second shot to shoot down the birds.

If Houston wants any chance of getting revenge on the Pels, they need to up the ante on their defensive intensity. Most notably, on Brandon Ingram and Jaxson Hayes. Both players were unstoppable for the Pelicans on Sunday, and were the prime orchestrators of Houston’s demise.

Last month’s five-game road trip feels like a season ago, but Houston needs to find that road chemistry again if they want a chance against a very beatable opponent. After a pair of terrible third quarters, the Rockets need to come out of halftime like gangbusters, and take control of the game. This matchup will likely be decided in the third period, as so many results for Houston have been based on their play in the third quarter. If anything, expect a more competitive and closer game in the Big Easy. The schedule becomes grueling with top-tier opponents on the Rockets’ radar coming up before the intermission. Tonight is Houston’s best chance for one last victory before the All-Star break.

 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (15-38):  Black

New Orleans Pelicans (21-32):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Pelicans Dismantle Rockets, 120-107, as Houston’s Struggles Continue

Pleading the Third.    Brandon-Named Killer.    Chemistry Search.

As was the case against the Spurs, the Rockets managed to make the first half competitive. However, once the third quarter rolled around, that’s all she wrote, as Houston was dominated again in the period following halftime. The Rockets were outscored by 15 in the quarter. en route to a 120-107 loss to the Pelicans on Sunday night. Christian Wood led Houston with 22 points. For some good news, Jalen Green continues to look better over these past four games. Green scored 18 points on improved efficiency. Garrison Matthews and Jae’Sean Tate provided their regular sparks with 18 points and 15 points respectively, but the Rockets needed more energy from the rest of the squad.

Brandon Ingram, by now a name-brand Rocket-killer, once again torched Houston, scoring 33 points to lead New Orleans. The Pelicans got another solid game from Jaxson Hayes, who scored 21 points and grabbed 7 boards, proving to be a real obstacle for Houston in the post.

These two teams will be back at it on Tuesday night for a rematch in the Big Easy. Hopefully the Rockets can rekindle that winning chemistry they found on their five-game road-trip last month. Expect the rematch to be more competitive. Houston knows quite well that it’s hard to beat the same team twice in a row. The Rockets aim to put some truth in that statement on Tuesday night by putting up more of a fight.

Rockets Host Pelicans in First of Home-and-Home

Part 1.    Bouncing Back the Birds.    Locking In.

Houston hosts the New Orleans Pelicans in the first of two straight games against the birds on Sunday night. These two teams will square off again in The Easy on Tuesday night. The Rockets are coming off a terrible loss to the Spurs, getting demolished, 131-106, in the Alamo City on Friday night. New Orleans has won two consecutive games, both on the road. Houston will aim to stop the Pels’ streak tonight.

After sitting in the 13th/14th spot in the West for most of this season, New Orleans hasn’t snuck up to the 11th seed, and trails Portland by only a half game for the final play-in spot. The Rockets will try and bounce back against the birds, and sent them bouncing back towards the back of the West. Zion Williamson still has yet to play this season for New Orleans. Brandon Ingram on the perimeter, and Jonas Valanciunas in the paint, will be the biggest threats for Houston’s defense. If the Rockets can contain the Pels’ two best players, Houston has a good chance to make it two wins in a row at home.

It’s essential the Rockets lock in on the defensive end if they want any chance of winning the first part of this mini-series against the Pelicans. This game will come down to who plays with more energy and hustle defensively. The Rockets gave up 131 points two nights ago. That can’t happen tonight, or the birds will sweep in and grab their third straight road win. The schedule gets increasingly tougher approaching the break after Sunday night’s billing. This matchup could be Houston’s best chance to grab one more win before the All-Star break.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

New Orleans Pelicans (20-32):  White “City Edition”

Houston Rockets (15-37):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  6 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Demolished by Spurs, 131-106, in Another Blowout Loss

Texas-Sized Beatdown.    Lost in the Third.    Not Joshin’ Around.

At halftime, this game didn’t appear headed towards Texas-sized beatdown. But the Spurs outplayed the Rockets in third quarter, seizing control of the game, and dealing Houston a 131-106 loss in the process. The Rockets fought back from double-digits to make it a three-point deficit at the half, but San Antonio outscored Houston by 17 in the critical third period. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 28 points. Jakob Poeltl was a beast in the paint, scoring 21 points. And Dejounte Murray added 19 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds, as San Antonio had too much firepower for the Rockets.

Josh Christopher had his best game as an NBA player. The rookie registered 23 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals in 29 minutes of action. Don’t just peek at his stats, Christopher’s defense and hustle was also impressive. He’s improved lightyears since the beginning of this season, and is way ahead of schedule. Christopher hasn’t been Joshin’ around for the past few games now, and could be a legitimate All-Star down the line in his career. Alperen Sengun also had an impressive scoring night, putting 18 points on the board. Christian Wood had a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards, but the Rockets didn’t play with enough defensive intensity to win this contest. 

Since their 7-game win streak, which feels like it was last season, the Rockets have struggled immensely to string two wins together. After an impressive win over the Cavaliers in their previous game, Houston got blown up by the Spurs at Toyota Center. Will this group ever win consecutive games again this season? Only 30 remain now for the Rockets, as we wind down towards the NBA’s final stretch. Houston has a good a chance as any in their next two games, as they face the New Orleans Pelicans twice. Although, the Pelicans have won two straight games… so it may not be as easy for the Rockets as the schedule makes it

Rockets Visit Spurs in Another Chapter of I-10 Rivalry

Three You Again.    Start of Seven.    Closing the Gap.

On Friday night, Houston squares off against the San Antonio Spurs for the third time in as many weeks. The Rockets took the first matchup in San Antonio on January 12th, 128-124. Twelve days ago, the Spurs prevailed victorious in part 2, smashing Houston by 30 points, 134-104, at Toyota Center. Tonight’s Round 3 between these instate-rivals is being held in the Alamo City, where the Spurs are coming off a loss to the Miami Heat last night. The Rockets cruise into San Antonio after snapping an 11-game home losing streak with a win over the Cavaliers on Wednesday. San Antonio’s best player, Dejounte Murray, has missed two of the past three games for the Spurs, and is questionable for tonight’s matchup. Obviously Murray’s presence (or lack thereof) will make a big difference in the third round of this rivalry. It shouldn’t matter to the Rockets, who’ve already beaten the Spurs in San Antonio, on a night when arguably Murray had the best game of his career. Houston needs to focus on keeping their turnover rate low, and ensuring they come out with a lot of defensive energy against the Spurs. The road team has won both of the previous contests, and the Rockets will aim to keep that trend alive tonight. Houston better be prepared. Since the last time these teams faced off, the Spurs have had an immensely tough five-game schedule against the top-five teams in the NBA: Phoenix, Golden State, Memphis, Chicago, and Miami. San Antonio will be relieved to see a weaker opponent on the schedule tonight. The Rockets need to blast off from the opening tip and punch the Spurs in the mouth. If they grab a big lead like they did against Cleveland, Houston should be able to put San Antonio away.

Tonight’s game marks the first of seven remaining before the All-Star Break, which starts for the Rockets after their game on Februrary 17th. Houston enters the break with four extremely tough matchups. Before then, they’ll see these Spurs, and the Pelicans twice. It’s a chance for the Rockets to get a couple of wins before a grueling schedule meets Houston as they enter the All-Star break. The Rockets have shown they can beat the Spurs in San Antonio. However, Houston also lost to the Spurs by 30 points less than two weeks ago at Toyota Center. Effort is the key coming into tonight’s contest. Whichever team plays harder, and smarter, will prevail as the victor. Zach Collins, who last played for the Portland Trail Blazers in the bubble back in 2020, is expected to make his San Antonio debut for the Spurs tonight. Collins likely won’t play many minutes and shouldn’t be a big factor in tonight’s game, but when healthy he’s shown glimpses of promising talent.

Houston still sits in last place in the Western Conference. The Spurs are in 12th place, but with a win tonight, the Rockets can move to within one game of San Antonio in the loss column. Houston still has a puncher’s chance to sneak into the play-in tournament, but it’s still a long-shot. Games like tonight are ones the Rockets need to win if they seriously want to sneak into the playoffs. This young Houston squad is likely a few years away from postseason action, but they’re growing and improving with each game. After tonight, the Rockets return home to face the Pelicans on Sunday. It’s a short one-game road-trip for Houston, and part three in the I-10 rivalry… maybe the third time will be the charm for the Rockets, and result in another win in the Alamo City.

 

AT&T Center:  San Antonio, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (15-36):  Red

San Antonio Spurs (19-34):  White “City Edition”

 

Tip-Off:  7:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Outlast Cavs, 115-104, to Snap Home Skid

Victory at Last.    Rookie Resurgence.    Dealing with the Deadline.

For the first time in 2022, the Houston Rockets finally won a home game. Houston held off Cleveland, 115-104, to close their four-game home-stand. The win puts the Rockets’ franchise record 11-game losing streak to bed. The Cavaliers were without their All-Star Darius Garland, but that didn’t mean this contest was a cakewalk for Houston. The third overall pick in last year’s draft, Evan Mobley, showed why he’s probably going to be named Rookie of the Year at season’s end. Mobley had a dominant 29 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, who also got a vintage performance from Kevin Love, chipping in with 21 points. Jalen Green and Christian Wood led the Rockets with 21 points apiece, while Kevin Porter Jr. supplied 16 points and 7 assists for Houston. The Rockets led by only one point after the first quarter, but outscored Cleveland by 10 points in the second period to take control of the game.

After hitting the “Rookie Wall” a few games back, Jalen Green is starting to play more efficiently once again for the Rockets. Green shot 6-for-13 from the floor, including 3-for-7 from distance. If Green keeps playing at an efficient level, the numbers will follow. And Alperen Sengun, who also had a small run-in with the “Rookie Wall” put together a strong game in 24 minutes. Sengun registered 9 points on only 4 shots, grabbed 8 boards, and dished 3 assists in only 24 minutes. Houston’s other rookie, Josh Christopher, who didn’t see as many minutes as in recent games, continues to thrive and grow with each game. Christopher scored 5 points and grabbed 3 boards in only 12 minutes, but it’s what he does off the ball and on defense that has improved immensely since the start of the season.

With the trade deadline approaching, now less than a week away, the Rockets are rumored to be players on February 10th. Christian Wood and Eric Gordon are the biggest names that have been discussed in rumors. Wood had a solid night against the Cavs, registering 21 points, 7 boards, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Gordon scored 11 points on an off-shooting night, but interested teams know the veteran’s value. Hopefully Houston makes the best choice with both players. As a fan of the team, it will be hard to see either player leave. Wood has so much promise and potential to be an All-Star, but it seems like the franchise is ready to unleash Alperen Sengun. Although I’m not totally sold on the idea the two can’t play well and mesh together on the court. They haven’t had enough opportunities. EG is the longest current-tenured player on the Rockets, and his veteran presence has been a steady guide for this young team during this rocky season. Gordon’s in the midst of his most efficient shooting season of his career, and can help a contender reach the ultimate goal. It would be nice to see EG and Wood remain in Houston, but at first glance… that seems like a long-shot.

Rockets Desperate for a Home Victory, Duel with Cavaliers

Spoiling the Surprise.    Blasting Out the Gate.    One for the Road.

 

Kevin Porter Jr. faces off against his former team, as the Rockets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. It’s the final game of four in a row at home for Houston. They’ve lost all three games so far, and will look to end their four-game losing streak tonight. The Cavs are the surprise team of the NBA this season. Since LeBron James left the team a few years ago, Cleveland hasn’t been close to making the playoffs.

As we’ve witnessed in Houston, times, and eras, change. The Cavs currently sit in fourth place in the East, only a half game out of third. Even with their supposed best player Collin Sexton out for the season, why are the Cavs so much better this year? A few reasons. Darius Garland is having a breakout season, and looks like a legitimate All-Star in the making. And the guy selected right after Houston’s Jalen Green in the draft, Evan Mobley, the third pick, is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year this season. Mobley’s had instant impact and looks like a legitimate All-Star in the future. And Jarrett Allen has played like an All-Star big man in the post for the Cavs. Cleveland plays hard every night behind former Rocket-coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Like their coach, they play with a chip on their shoulder, and Houston could be in trouble if they’re not ready from the opening tip.

The Rockets’ biggest issue during their losing streak has been the squad’s failure to get off to hot starts. Houston has fallen behind by double digits before halftime in all the losses in their current skid. It’s hard to play fighting from behind all game. If the Rockets can blast out the gates tonight, they’ll have a chance against a very talented Cavs team.

After tonight’s contest, Houston heads out on the road for one game before returning back home. It would be nice to see the squad win at least one game during this home-stand. Especially after a successful road-trip which, at the time, seemed to give the Rockets momentum. They’ll try and get some of that momentum back and spoil the NBA’s surprise team with a big win tonight.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Cleveland Cavaliers (31-20):  White

Houston Rockets (14-36):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Houston’s Rally Falls Short as Curry Ignites Warriors Past Rockets, 122-108

Same Old Story.    Motivational Talk.    The Dog Days.

It was the same old story for the Rockets on Monday night. A slow start eventually doomed Houston, as they fell to the Warriors, 122-108, on Monday night. They failed to score for the first four minutes of the game, falling behind 10-0 early. Despite this early deficit, the Rockets managed to hold a 25-23 lead after the first quarter. But Golden State outscored the Rockets by 11 points in the second period, and Houston never cut the deficit less than 3 points. Stephen Curry scored 21 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter to ensure the Rockets’ rally would fail. Kevin Porter Jr. and Curry got into bit of trash talking before the Warriors’ star exploded in the final period, making some pundits believe KPJ’s “trash-talk” motivated Curry. Regardless. Houston fell short to one of the best teams in the NBA, and lost their 11th consecutive game at home, extending their franchise-record.

Christian Wood led the Rockets with 24 points and 13 boards, and KPJ added 17, but Houston could never overcome their deficit after Golden State took over in the second period. It’s hard to play fighting from behind all game long, and it’s a habit the Rockets need to buck if they want to win a game anytime soon.

It’s officially the dog days of the NBA. As we approach the All-Star Break, most teams are eagerly awaiting a much-needed break as they try and grind through a few more games before the break starts in mid-to-late February. Almost every team deals with this fatigue at this point in the season, but the Rockets are young enough to fight through the dog days, and grab a few upsets. If only they could get off to better starts. These early deficits have plagued Houston over their current four-game losing streak. The Rockets aim to end that trend on Wednesday night as the home-stand comes to a close with the Cleveland Cavaliers rolling into town. Unlike the past few years since LeBron James’ departure, this Cavs team is telling a new story, and are the surprise of the NBA this season. Houston better be on their toes, or they could be in for another loss at Toyota Center to end the home-stand.