Month: January 2025

Rockets Host Pistons in MLK Day Matinee Showdown

Early Start.    The Surprisers.    Twin Day.

Houston welcomes the Detroit Pistons to town for an MLK Day affair on Monday afternoon. Today’s game is the earliest start time for a contest all season for the Rockets, who aren’t used to playing this early. Hopefully, it won’t impact their performance, as they’re facing an up-and-coming Detroit team that’s exceeded expectations this season.

Despite losing their last two games, the Pistons have won seven of their last ten games overall, and currently sport a 21-21 record, good for 9th place in the East, and a Play-In Spot if the season ended today. Houston is coming off a blowout win over the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday night that capped a three game road trip out West. The Rockets won the first matchup between these teams, 101-99, earlier this season on November 10th back in Detroit. And two of the NBA’s most surprising teams are ready to square off in what should be an exciting game at Toyota Center.

These teams will be linked forever because of the 2021 NBA Draft. Detroit selected Cade Cunningham with the first pick, and Houston picked Jalen Green second overall. Both players are having All-Star caliber seasons. And Green had an one of the best dunks of this entire NBA season in the first matchup when he posterized Cunningham on a transition slam. Expect Cunningham to be ready to have a big game this afternoon. The Rockets also need to keep Jalen Duren off the boards. The Pistons’ underrated big man didn’t play in the first matchup between these teams, and is a huge difference maker in the paint and on the glass. Look for Alperen Sengun to try and put Duren in foul trouble early, as he’s done in previous matchups.

Detroit boasts plenty of weapons besides their best player and bruising big man. The Pistons also have an experienced Rocket-Killer in Tim Hardaway Jr., and former All-Star Tobias Harris. Hardaway Jr. seems to average around 25 points against Houston, so don’t be surprised if he nails some ridiculous shots this afternoon. It’s also Twin Day, as Amen and Ausar Thompson will battle on the court for the first time this season. Ausar had been dealing with a blood clot issues earlier in the season, and missed the first game between these squads. Amen’s having an incredible season and certainly looks like the better twin, but Ausar is still in the starting lineup for Detroit. Expect plenty of feisty competitiveness in what should be a thrilling MLK matinee matchup.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Detroit Pistons (21-21):  White

Houston Rockets (28-13):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  1:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Race Past Trail Blazers, 125-103, to Cap Road Trip

Second Half Surge.    All-Star Duo.    Halfway Mark.

After a sluggish first half, the Rockets blasted out of gates after halftime, cruising to a 125-103 win over the Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Houston led by only one point, 51-50, entering the break, but led by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, the squad dominated Portland in the second half. Green once again led the Rockets in scoring, as he scored 26 points on another efficient night, shooting 10-for-17 from the floor. Sengun scored 14 of his 23 points in the third quarter, and also grabbed 15 boards while dishing out 6 assists in the win. After struggling offensively over the last few games, Dillon Brooks scored 22 points in a bounce back performance. And his second game back from injury, Tari Eason had a solid night, registering 18 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Scoot Henderson led the Blazers with 21 points and 11 assists, but Portland never threatened Houston’s lead after the Rockets managed to take control of the game in the third period.

For the first time seemingly in their four year careers, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green are both playing at an All-Star level simultaneously. And with Houston in second place in the brutally competitive Western Conference, the Rockets should expect to have at least one member of their dynamic duo officially named an All-Star this season. Green or Sengun won’t get enough fan votes, but the rest of the voting goes to coaches and then the media. And with the respect Houston is slowly gaining nationally, the Rockets deserve to see at least Green or Sengun heading to San Francisco for the All-Star Game this year. Regardless if they get named All-Stars or not, Houston has two of the best young players in this league, and they’re evolving into stars before our eyes.

With Saturday night’s victory in Portland, the Rockets are now officially at the halfway mark of this season. Houston already has the same amount of road wins this season, with 14, as they did all of last season. And with a 28-13 record at the midway point, this squad has exceeded everyone’s expectations. No one expected the Rockets to be in second place right now in what’s truly a bloodbath: the NBA’s Western Conference. Houston’s excited where they are, but as Head Coach Ime Udoka’s expressed, the Rockets can still improve… as they’re aiming for an even better second half what’s already been an impressive season. 

Rockets Touch Down in Portland to Face Trail Blazers

Rubber Match.    Revenge Time.    First Half Finale.    

Houston closes out their three game road trip with a visit out West to meet the Portland Trail Blazers. The Rockets are 1-1 so far on this road trip, and coming off a loss in Sacramento to the Kings on Thursday night. Houston is 1-1 against the Portland this season, with both games coming in H-Town on consecutive nights earlier in the campaign. While the Rockets won the first matchup, they lost the second, and will be looking for the revenge in the rubber match tonight in Portland. This is Houston’s only trip to Portland on the schedule, and tonight’s tilt marks the final matchup between these squads this season.

The Trail Blazers have lost three straight games, and enter this matchup with a 13-27 record, good for 13th place in the Western Conference. The Rockets should be able to beat a younger and less talented Blazers team tonight. Jerami Grant, Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson are some Portland players Houston needs to keep an eye on in particular. Regardless, the Rockets have no excuses to lose this game. Unlike the Kings, who are on of the hottest teams in basketball, the Blazers are headed in the opposite direction.

On Thursday night, Tari Eason finally made his long awaited return after missing a dozen straight games. It’s good for Houston to finally have both Terror Twins back. Their impact to this team’s success cannot be understated. Fred VanVleet will be returning to the lineup tonight after missing Thursday night’s game due to personal reasons. Tonight’s matchup is also the finale of this three game road trip for the Rockets, who will return home for a matinee matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, which is also MLK Day.

So far in 2025, Jalen Green has been one of the best players in the entire league. Green’s coming off a 28 point performance in the loss in Sac-Town. Look for him to have another scoring night in the 30’s against a bad defensive Portland team. Tonight’s game also marks the end of the first half of the season for Houston, as this is game 41 out of 82 overall. The Rockets aim to put an emphatic mark on what’s been a very successful first half so far with another win. And with a victory, Houston will tie their road win total, 14, from last season. Expect the Rockets to get back on track, and beat the Blazers tonight to close out the first half of this season.

 

Moda Center:  Portland, Oregon

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (27-13):  White

Portland Trail Blazers (13-27):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  9:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Bow to Kings, 132-127, as Win Streak Ends

Snapped Late.    Questionable Whistle.    Welcome Return.    

Despite a valiant effort to rally late, the Rockets fell to the Kings, 132-127, on Thursday night in Sacramento. The loss snaps Houston’s five game winning streak, and keeps the Rockets winless, with an 0-2 record, against the Kings this season. DeMar DeRozan’s 33 points fueled a balanced offensive attack for  Sacramento. Malik Monk added 26 points off the bench, and every starter scored at least 18 points for the Kings. Jalen Green stayed hot, as led the Rockets with 28 points on another efficient 10-for-20 shooting night from the floor. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson both had double-doubles. Sengun finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. Twin scored 20 points to go along with 10 boards.

There were a few questionable calls by official Josh Tivens late in the game. Very questionable whistles directed at Dillon Brooks. Sadly, it appears Brooks’ reputation unfairly got him those fouls, as replay and even the national announcers were surprised at Tivens’ behavior as an NBA referee. Regardless, the Rockets still had a chance late to tie the game on a Jalen Green three. However, Green missed a good look, as the Kings secured the victory, ending Houston’s winning streak at five games.

Houston sorely missed Fred VanVleet in this game. FVV was ruled out due to personal reasons, and the Rockets really could’ve used their point guard and floor leader during crunch time on Thursday night. In a welcome sign, Tart Eason finally returned to action for the first time in roughly a dozen games. In 24 minutes of playing time, Eason scored 16 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. With each receiving 14 minutes of playing time, Steven Adams and Aaron Holiday were both once again solid contributors in limited action.

Up next, Houston will travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Saturday night in the finale of this three game road trip. The Rockets are 1-1 against the Blazers this season, with both games coming in Houston on back-to-back nights. Despite a solid NBA Cup Group Stage win in the first matchup, the Rockets lost the second one on the following night to Portland. Houston will be aiming for revenge, and a win in the season series, as their matchup with the Blazers on Saturday night is their lone visit to Portland all season. It’s not a back-to-back, and the Rockets will be eager to put this loss to the Kings in the past, so Houston should be ready to close out this road trip with a win this weekend.

Rockets Visit Sac-Town for National Duel with Kings

Bright Lights.    Speed Racers.    Sway Night.

On Thursday night, Houston gets the rare chance to shine, and entertain the masses, in front of a national audience. For only the second time this season, the Rockets will play on national TV, as the NBA’s hottest team cruises into Sac-Town to battle the Kings. Tonight’s game marks the second half of a back-to-back for Houston, as the Rockets are coming off a 128-108 blowout win over the Nuggets in Denver last night. In their last game, on Tuesday, Sacramento had their season-high seven game winning streak snapped by the Bucks in Milwaukee. Entering tonight’s matchup, Houston owns the league’s longest current win streak, winners of their last five games. None of that matters tonight. The Kings are playing in their house, and they have the rest advantage. Sacramento’s climbed back to .500 after a poor start, and this team is much improved since these teams squared off earlier this season.

In the first matchup between these Western foes, the Rockets lost to the Kings, 120-111, back on December 3rd in Sacramento. That game was also Houston’s lone NBA Cup Group loss this season. Tonight, the Rockets will be more undermanned than usual of late. Fred VanVleet has been ruled out for tonight’s contest due to personal reasons. Instead of doubtful, Tari Eason is listed as questionable for this game, which a good sign for Houston that he’s trending in the right direction. But until he actually plays once again on the court, don’t have faith in him seeing any action. So he likely will be out once again for tonight’s tilt, along with Jabari Smith Jr., who remains sidelined with a fractured hand injury. For now, the Rockets will need to maintain steady waters in a hostile environment without their floor leader. Houston’s win streak will be put to the test tonight, as the Rockets aren’t the same team without VanVleet.

Regardless of who’s on the court for Houston, Head Coach Ime Udoka always has his team prepared and ready to play hard. Prepare for a fast paced game tonight, as this matchup features three of the leagues fastest players in De’Aaron Fox, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson. The Rockets have only been blown out twice this season. On the road to the West’s top seed in the Thunder, and at home to the defending champion Celtics. These Kings aren’t on the level of those teams. And if Houston can keep their winning streak alive in Sacramento, they’ll begin to sway believers that this young squad isn’t just having a great first half of the season. This Rockets team is for real, Houstonians know. It’s time for the rest of the county to get a glimpse of this Houston squad, one the NBA’s most exciting and talented young teams. Expect a close game on TNT tonight, in what should be another drama filled, entertaining night of Rockets basketball.

 

Golden 1 Center:  Sacramento, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (27-12):  Red

Sacramento Kings (20-20):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  9:00 PM CT

TV:  TNT

Rockets Bury Nuggets, 128-108, for Fifth Straight Win

Favorable Scratches.    Mile High Beatdown.    Road Warriors.

 

Favorable news came for the Rockets shortly before tipoff in the Mile High City. Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon were both late scratches before Wednesday night’s game. Houston didn’t waste any time taking advantage of a hobbled Denver team, as the Rockets buried the Nuggets en route to a 128–108 win in the Mile High City. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun led Denver with 22 points apiece, but the Nuggets were no match for a Rockets team with too much firepower. Jalen Green continued his superstar evolution. He scored 34 points to lead Houston, and most importantly, Green had another very efficient 10-for-16 shooting night from the field. Green’s been keeping the Rockets afloat despite the injuries during Houston’s five game winning streak, good for the longest current win streak in the NBA at the moment. The Rockets are now 8-0 when Green scores at least 30 points this season, proving how essential he is to this team’s success.

Houston has all the ingredients of a championship team, except for a true superstar leader. A closer. A finisher. The Rockets can survive when Green’s having an off night, but this team will only go as far as he takes them. Sengun is still Houston’s best player, but in a league where championship teams are led by perimeter-oriented superstars, the Rockets will need Green to take the mantle if they want to reach the top, and eventually have a chance at winning a title.

Sengun flirted with a triple double, registering 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Amen Thompson didn’t have his best game, recording 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals, but Houston still thrives with Twin in the starting lineup. So far this season, the Rockets are an impressive 9-1 with Thompson in the starting lineup. Cam Whitmore had another solid game off the bench, scoring 16 points. The point per minute man has been taking full advantage of his increased playing time, displaying improved shooting accuracy and intensified defense.

The Mile High Beatdown marks Houston’s fifth straight victory, and seventh straight road win overall this season. After struggling mightily on the road last year, the Rockets are a different animal away from Toyota Center this season. With 13 road wins already under their belt this year, Houston’s nearly already matched their road win total of 14 victories from last season. And the Rockets won’t have to wait long to tie that mark. Houston plays the second half of a back-to-back tomorrow night, as they visit Sacramento to battle the Kings, exclusively on TNT. And playing in front of a national audience is a rarity for this rising Rockets squad. Expect another favorable result tomorrow night for a red-hot Houston team that’s primed and ready to shine under the bright lights of national television.

Mile High Showdown:  Rockets Visit Nuggets in Battle of NBA’s Hottest Teams

Mirror Gazing.    Thriving in 2025.    Striking Gold.

Houston rolls into Denver as the NBA’s hottest teams square off in a Mile High showdown on Wednesday night. Riding a four game winning streak. On a hunt to prove they’re true contenders. With a roster full of talented players. Led by a head coach who doesn’t shy away from ripping his team in postgame pressers when they don’t perform to expectations. And a big Joker with a bag full of tricks that would make even Batman jealous. All in a city that prides itself on being a football town first. But which of these teams in tonight’s tilt inherits these traits? Pick a side. The Rockets and Nuggets have much more in common than meets the eye. And both teams are tied for the NBA’s current longest winning streak at four games entering tonight’s matchup.

With a record of 26-12, the Rockets are in second place in the brutally competitive Western Conference. After a slow start, the Nuggets have won eight of their last ten games, and all by double figures. Denver’s now in fourth place, with a record of 24-15, as they try and inch closer to Houston in the standings. The Nuggets want to be near the top of the West like the Rockets, as Denver’s still only two years removed from a title. Houston wants to prove their championship contenders now, instead of being “one player away” like many critics want to shout to the heavens. Last season, the Rockets were the only team to beat the then-defending champs three times.

Both coaches, Ime Udoka and Mike Malone, are defensive minded leaders who hold their teams accountable every night of the season. Nikola Jokic remains one of the best players in the NBA, even poised to potentially win another MVP this season. Alperen Sengun has long been nicknamed “Mini-Joker” due to his similar skill set as a talented pass-first big man. Jalen Green has been on a tear recently for the Rockets. Green is coming off a season-high 42 points in Houston’s previous win. And after being called out pre-game by Shaq on national television, Jamal Murray exploded for 45 points in Denver’s win over Dallas last night. Both teams also boast veteran leaders in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks for the Rockets. While the Nuggets have Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. Not to mention Russell Westbrook, who is having a renaissance season in Denver. Westbrook is still playing at a high level, and as he’s already shown, capable of delivering triple-doubles at this latter stage in his career. Along with The Joker and Murray, Houston needs to make sure Westbrook doesn’t go off against his former team.

This is the first matchup this season between these Western Conference foes. Both Houston (5-1) and Denver (6-2) are off to fantastic starts to the 2025 portion of the season. Yet one of these four-game winning streaks is coming to an end tonight. The Nuggets played last night in Dallas, so the Rockets have the rest advantage entering this matchup. Although, this is Houston’s first game playing in the altitude this season, which always impacts players differently. A lot’s on the line tonight in the Mile High City, as the NBA’s hottest teams face off… trying to prove they’re worthy of contending for a title.

 

Ball Arena:  Denver, Colorado

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (26-12):  Red

Denver Nuggets (24-15):  Navy

 

Tip-Off:  8:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Storm Past Grizzlies, 120-118, to Win Fourth Straight

Comeback Kids.    Green Eruption.    Opening Prayer.

In a season full of exciting games, chock Houston’s third round against the Memphis Grizzlies to the list. After trailing for the majority of the contest, the Rockets faced a thirteen point deficit with around eight minutes left in the game. And as fans in H-Town have witnessed several times this season, the resilient Rockets showed up, as the squad rallied for an impressive 120-118 win over Memphis on Monday night at Toyota Center. Houston used a 23-7 run in the fourth quarter to rally for the victory.

As he continues to flourish and evolve into a star before our eyes, Jalen Green had arguably the best game of his career. Green scored 42 points on a ridiculously efficient 13-for-18 shooting performance, including the go-ahead layup in the final minute. Everyone keeps waiting for Green to finally reach a consistent All-Star playing level. And it appears Green may finally be knocking on the door of his potential. The Rockets are now 7-0 this season when Green scores at least 30 points, proving Houston is at their best when Green’s at his best.

In another starting nod, Amen Thompson once again excelled in his role. Twin registered 19 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His versatility on both ends of the court is an unmatched asset, one of the Rockets are fully utilizing. Houston is 8-1 this season with Thompson in the starting lineup. It will be difficult for Head Coach Ime Udoka to keep Twin out of the starting lineup if the squad ever regains full health. Tari Eason missed his eleventh straight game in the win. Jabari Smith Jr. will be back in a little under two months at the latest, but Eason’s injury is more concerning. After suffering a season-ending injury early last year, Houston is being extremely cautious with Eason to avoid that fate this season. But with each passing game, it appears this injury could be more seriously than the team’s coaches and trainers are making it appear.

Last year, the Rockets wouldn’t have won a game like Monday night’s thriller. They even committed the most turnovers they have all season, yet still squeaked by the Grizz for the win. And Houston will need Eason back if they want to truly contend come playoff time. Up next, the schedule toughens up as the Rockets hit the road for a tough back-to-back out West. Expect another exciting game for Houston, as the NBA’s hottest teams square off when the Rockets visits the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Rockets Return Home for Rematch with Grizzlies

Pit Stop.    Faster Rematch.    Clinching Chance.

After trudging through the inclement weather in Atlanta that postponed Saturday’s game against the Hawks, the Rockets return home for a rematch with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Houston won the previous matchup in their last game, a win over the Grizz in Memphis, 119-115, back on Thursday night. The Rockets have had three unexpected days off since that victory. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are coming off an impressive two-point road victory, 127-125, in Minnesota over the Timberwolves on Saturday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 33 points to lead the Grizz in that game, but Houston has managed to do a better defensive job on Jackson Jr. in their first two matchups.

Tonight’s game is a rare home game during this road-heavy stretch for the Rockets. Houston is coming off a perfect, yet brief, two-game road trip, and after this matchup with Memphis, the Rockets hit the road again for their next three games. Houston is 2-0 against Memphis so far this season, and with a win tonight, the Rockets can clinch the season-series. With a record of 25-14 the Grizzlies are still right behind Houston for the second spot in the crowded Western Conference. Boasting a 25-12 record, the Rockets can further distance themselves from Memphis with a win over then Grizz tonight.

In non-breaking news, Tari Eason is once again listed as doubtful for tonight’s contest, and will likely miss his eleventh straight game due to lower leg injury management. Regardless, the Rockets are playing solid basketball again, as the team enters Monday night’s showdown winners of three straight games. Jalen Green is playing some of the best basketball of his career lately, averaging 29 points per game over his last four outings. And Alperen Sengun dominated Memphis in the previous meeting, scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

Houston’s dynamic duo of Sengun and Green has outplayed Memphis’ dynamic duo, consisting of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., in both matchups this season. Hopefully, the Rockets didn’t lose any of their recent swagger since their last tilt, Thursday’s win in Memphis. Houston hasn’t had three days off in a while, and the Grizz are coming off a big road win, with revenge on their minds tonight. Expect another closely contested and physical battle between these divisional rivals as the Rockets aim to clinch the season series on against the Grizzlies on Monday night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (25-14):  White

Houston Rockets (25-12):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  NBA TV,  Space City Home Network

Rockets Tame Grizzlies, 119-115, in Memphis Slugfest

Beale Street Bruiser.    Sengun’s Stride.    Green Resurgence.

Walking in Memphis, down the corridors of FedExForum, always gives this Rockets team an added boost of motivation. It’s where one of their leaders, Dillon Brooks, used to play before he came to Houston at the start of last season. The Rockets always want to win for The Villain when they face the Grizzlies, especially in Memphis. And in a crucial game between two of the top three teams in the West, the Rockets escaped Memphis with a pivotal 119-115 victory on Thursday night. Houston led by as many as 17 points in the first half, but that led evaporated quickly, as the Grizz made this a very competitive contest down the stretch. Ja Morant led Memphis with 27 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s readiness.

The Rockets were ready to play from the opening tip on Thursday night. Houston scored a season-high 45 points in the first quarter, but this game slowed down into a bruising and brawling physical battle after halftime. In another dominant performance, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets in all three major stat categories in the win over Memphis. Sengun registered 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, as he continues to find his stride, playing at an All-Star level, with the midway point of the season on the horizon.

And Jalen Green continued his resurgence, scoring 27 points on an efficient 11-for-21 shooting from the floor. Green is averaging 29 points per game over his last four contests. And the Rockets are 6-0 this season when Green reaches the 30-point plateau. It’s only a small sample size, but the young star may starting to display the consistency Houston has been patiently waiting for from Green since they drafted him four years ago. If Green continues playing at an All-Star level, the Rockets are going to be contending sooner rather than later. His consistency is the element Houston’s coaching staff hasn’t been able to control, but if Green finally breaks through, the Rockets are going to keep surprising people.

Although, if Houston wants to seriously contend for a title, they’ll need to be fully healthy. Tari Eason missed his tenth straight game, as he continues to deal with lower leg injury management. Head Coach Ime Udoka has insisted it’s nothing serious, but with each passing game Eason misses, the concern only rises. The Rockets need both of their Terror Twins. Amen Thompson has been thriving, but mainly since Jabari Smith Jr. went down. Thompson still plays his best when Eason is on the court. And Houston is a completely different defensive beast with Eason in the lineup. Hopefully, he can return soon, as the Rockets schedule toughens up over the next two weeks.

Up next, Houston was supposed to face the Hawks on Saturday in Atlanta. However, that game was postponed due to icy conditions and inclement weather. So instead, the Rockets get an unexpected three days off before facing these same Grizzlies in a rematch back in Houston on Monday night. It’s a quick home stop during this road heavy stretch for the Rockets, but it gives the fans a chance to keep the squad motivated in what should be another bruising battle in H-Town.