Rockets Searching for Answers as Warriors Streak into Town
Revenge Night. Spurring the Opposition. Aiming for Early Launch.
After starting their previous road trip 3-1, the Rockets have now lost three consecutive games. And on Monday night, the last team Houston saw on the road, the Golden State Warriors, come to town for their lone visit to Toyota Center all season. Golden State begins their own road-trip tonight as they try and sweep the season-series with Houston. The Rockets are aiming to get revenge for the previous meeting between these squads, when Steph Curry hit the lone buzzer-beater of his career to give the Dubs the win ten days ago. Since that game, both teams have been headed in opposite directions.
For Houston, the loss in San Francisco was the first of three in a row so far. And for the Warriors, Curry’s shot spurred a team who was struggling mightily, as Golden State had lost six of nine games. The Warriors are now riding a five-game winning streak into Houston, as their victory over the Rockets started their current roll. Houston looks to slow down a dominant opponent with added reinforcements. Klay Thompson rested in the previous game between these clubs, so tonight is the first look the Rockets are getting at Klay this season. As expected, Thompson has improved as time’s gone by, but he still hasn’t even been back a month, so it’ll be while before fans see the Klay Thompson of yesteryear.
The biggest key to tonight’s game for Houston is getting off to a hot start. The Rockets have trailed by double-digits after the first quarter in both of their previous losses to start this four-game home-stand. If Houston can hang with the Warriors, and prevent Curry and the Dubs from stretching the lead to insurmountable heights, they have a chance to get revenge for Curry’s shot that painfully ended the Rockets’ most recent road trip. Houston’s lost a franchise-record ten consecutive games at home. They’ll look to end that streak tonight against a Golden State team that’s heating up at the right time. It should be a fun one at Toyota Center. Expect the Rockets to come out with more energy tonight, and at least make the matchup more competitive than the past couple of games. Kevin Porter Jr. returns after missing Friday night’s game due to an illness. Maybe Scoot’s return can ignite Houston to upset the Warriors, as these teams meet for the final time this season.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Golden State Warriors (37-13): White
Houston Rockets (14-35): Red
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass