Month: February 2025

Rockets Host Suns in First Meeting of Season

First Look.    Weakened Flames.    Celestial Showdown.

For the first time this season, the Rockets and Suns face-off in a celestial showdown on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. In their previous game, Houston snapped a season-high six game losing streak with a win over the Toronto Raptors on Super Bowl Sunday. And the Rockets got some well deserved rest with two days off before tonight’s matchup. Meanwhile, Phoenix is coming off a home loss last night to the Memphis Grizzlies. So, this matchup is the second part of a back-to-back for the Suns. Houston has slipped to the fifth spot in the Western Conference, but the Rockets are still only a game behind the loss column for the third and fourth place. Coming into this matchup, the Suns find themselves in 11th place in the West, on the outside looking in. Yet Phoenix is only one game in the loss column out of the eighth spot in the crowded and brutally competitive beast of teams that is the NBA’s Western Conference.

Both teams will be heavily hindered entering this contest. Houston is still without Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr., although the team did announce Bari’s is eyeing a return on February 21st, a home match against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the first game after the All-Star break. After exiting the win over the Raptors with a lumbar spasm early in the game, Alperen Sengun is questionable for tonight’s contest, and is listed as a game-time decision. On the other hand, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Cody Martin are all out for the Suns entering tonight’s game.

Regardless, Phoenix still has Kevin Durant. And despite all the drama before the trade deadline that could potentially have repercussions for Phoenix’s future, Durant is still one of the best players in the world, and a nightmare for opposing defenses. Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, and Tari Eason will have their hands full trying to contain the “Slim Reaper” tonight.

With both teams missing key players in this matchup, anything could happen in this celestial showdown. Expect Durant to have an explosive offensive game, and the Rockets will need Jalen Green to bring more scoring, especially if Sengun can’t suit up. Houston is aiming to creep back up in the standings to gain home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Phoenix is simply trying to stay in the Play-In mix, and not fall too far out of the race. Given all the injuries, and the fact that 90% of Rockets games seem to go down to the wire… expect another wild, unpredictable, and exciting matchup tonight at Toyota Center.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (26-27):  Purple

Houston Rockets (33-20):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  7:30 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Rally Past Raptors, 94-87, to Snap Skid

Rough Edges.    Green Boys.    Late Heat.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Rockets finally ended their losing streak on Super Bowl Sunday. Houston rallied to take control of the game in the fourth quarter, en route to beating the Toronto Raptors, 94-87, at Toyota Center. The victory snaps the squad’s season-high six game skid, as the Rockets finally returned to the win column. Similar to the the first meeting between these teams, Dillon Brooks led Houston’s scoring charge, scoring 19 points to lead the way.

The Rockets also got contributions from both of the Green Boys. Jalen Green scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Seasoned veteran Jeff Green scored a season-high 14 points, in his 1200th career NBA game that’s spanned 18 seasons. Even at age 38, Uncle Jeff is still capable of efficient production when given ample playing time. And Jock Landale continues to provide solid play in limited action. In one of his best games of the season, the Aussie registered a double-double, scoring 11 points to go with 10 rebounds.

Houston faced a double-digit deficit in the first quarter, but the Rockets were able to creep back in the game, as the squad found their stroke in the final quarter. Throughout the first three quarters, Houston shot a dismal 3-for-26 from beyond the arc. Thankfully, the squad found their rhythm in the fourth period, as the Rockets shot 7-for-10 from three point land to secure the win. For the first time in awhile, Houston was the better team in the fourth quarter. The final frame has been a struggle, Especially offensively, for this young Rockets team this season. It was nice to see them finally produce in the end, instead of narrowly dodging a comeback, or suffering a collapse.

In unfortunate news, Alperen Sengun left the game early in the first quarter with a lumbar spasm. Looking on the bright side, at least Houston’s All-Star center isn’t expected to be out for a long period of time. With Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. out of the lineup at least into the All-Star break, the Rockets can’t afford to lose any more rotational players to injury. Houston was one of the healthiest teams during the first third of the season, but the injury bug has come back to bite them as it does to every NBA squad throughout a long, enduring 82 game season.

Up next the Rockets will get a much-needed two days off before they host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. It’s the first of two straight games at Toyota Center (the next being the dreaded nemesis Golden State Warriors) before the All-Star break begins on Friday. And if they want to beat the Suns and Warriors… Houston needs to avoid any sluggish starts this upcoming week.

Rockets Aim to Snap Skid, Return Home to Host Raptors

Super Sunday.    Another Matinee.    Friendly Confines.

Houston gets the rare chance to play on Super Bowl Sunday, as they host the Toronto Raptors in another matinee matchup. The Rockets are desperately trying to snap a six-game losing streak this afternoon. After playing eight of their last nine games on the road, Houston finally returns to the friendly confines of Toyota Center this afternoon. Toronto has lost three straight contests after a season-high five game winning streak. The Rockets won the first matchup between these squads, 114-110, back on December 22nd north of the border. And fellow Canadian Dillon Brooks scored 27 points to lead the way for Houston in the victory. Expect Brooks to have more of an offensive impact as the Rockets are more hindered than usual entering this game.

This is the fifth game in seven days for Houston, so the Rockets will be fighting fatigue and battling tired legs in this matchup. Despite the amount of games recently, and the losing streak, Houston should beat this Raptors team. Toronto is only 16-36 on the season, and the Rockets have no excuses to lose to an inferior team, especially at Toyota Center. It’s been announced that Fred VanVleet will remain out through the All-Star break, so the squad will have to continue to tread water without their floor leader. Tari Eason and Steven Adams are also missing today’s contest for precautionary injury maintenance (as will be the case for now on back-to-backs according to Head Coach Ime Udoka). Regardless, Houston has shown they’re boasting one of the deepest rosters in the entire league, so beating this below-average Toronto team shouldn’t be an impossible task.

It’s also Jalen Green’s 23rd birthday today, so maybe he’ll have a surprise performance in store today. Prior to this current losing streak Houston finds themselves mired in, the Rockets were a better road team compared to at home. However amongst all the tough travels, Houston now has a better record at home than on the road. The Rockets should be able to take care of this bad Raptors team. Scottie Barnes is their biggest threat and best player. Although Toronto did acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans on the trade deadline, but he’s not expected to suit up for the Raptors in this matchup. Look for the Rockets to get back on track with a win today, but it may not be as easy as Houston wants. As the best play-by-play man in the biz, Craig Ackerman, said during the broadcast in Dallas… it’s not Rockets basketball if the game doesn’t go down to the wire.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Toronto Raptors (16-36):  Black

Houston Rockets (32-20):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  1:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets’ Slide Continues in 116-105 Loss to Mavericks

Sixth Stench.    Dominant Debut.    Daytime Struggles.

Same guy, different jersey. In his Dallas debut, Anthony Davis dazzled, as he registered 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists to help deal the Rockets a 116-105 loss on Saturday afternoon. Houston trailed by as many as 21 points in the first half. The Rockets were able to cut into that lead, and get within two points, but that’s as close as Houston would get to a comeback. Alperen Sengun scored 30 points to lead the Rockets, and Jalen Green chipped in 24 points.

After trailing by 17 points as the half, Houston’s Head Coach Ime Udoka chose to play his version of the squad’s Twin Towers, inserting Steven Adams alongside Sengun. It worked brilliantly, as the Rockets outscored the Mavs by nine points in the period, and crept back in the game. Adams has shown why he’s one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. The New Zealander grabbed 12 boards in only 22 minutes of action. Sadly, Houston couldn’t rally for the victory, but this loss is another learning curve for this young squad, and how they can improve in the future.

The defeat is Houston’s sixth straight loss, a season-high, as their downward spiral down the standings continues. The Rockets have now slipped all the way down to the fifth seed in the Western Conference, and are in jeopardy of falling into a Play-In Spot. And if that happens, Houston’s postseason stint could be much shorter than expected. As of the moment, the Rockets trail the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers in the West (excluding the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have all but essentially clinched the first spot in the conference).

Thankfully Houston doesn’t play many matinee matchups, as the Rockets are winless in day games this season. Unfortunately, Houston has another matinee affair tomorrow, but it’s back at home, and against the Toronto Raptors, a more inferior opponent. It’s the start of a three-game homestand heading into the All-Star Break. After tomorrow’s game, the Rockets will finally receive a much-need two days of rest, before hosting the Phoenix Suns, and then Golden State Warriors in another back-to-back to wrap up the pre-All-Star Game portion of the season. For now, Houston will try and put an end to this six-game skid, and attempt to win their first day game of the season, as they return home to host the Raptors on Super Bowl Sunday.

Rockets Close Road Trip with Matchup Against New-Look Mavericks

Early Prep.    AD’s Debut.    The Instigators.

On Saturday afternoon, Houston closes out their road trip with a visit to battle their I-45 rivals, the Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets are aiming to go 3-0 against the Mavs after winning the two previous meetings this season. This is the first home game for the Mavericks since dealing Luka Doncic in the NBA’s most shocking trade in history one week ago. Anthony Davis, who the Mavs acquired in the Doncic trade, is expected to make his debut for Dallas today.

The Mavs are coming off an impressive road win over the Boston Celtics in their previous game. With a 27-25 record, Dallas is currently in the eighth spot out West. Houston is 32-19, and clinging to the fourth spot in the Conference. Despite having another matinee matchup tomorrow, the Rockets don’t play many day games, and Houston has struggled during afternoon matchups. They’ll look to buck that trend with a spicy victory in Dallas this afternoon.

The atmosphere inside American Airlines Center today will likely be unlike anything this Rockets team has witnessed. Fans in Dallas are angry over the Doncic trade, and it should be interesting how they express their frustration in the Mavs’ first home game in the post-Luka era. Even without AD, Dallas looked inspired and fresh in their previous win. Davis will be playing, and he is a headache. Alperen Sengun has his work cut out for him this afternoon. Unfortunately, Fred VanVleet remains out for this matchup with an ankle injury.

Can the Rockets get off the schneide, and end their five-game losing streak? If Houston can finally play four solid quarters of basketball, and refrain from taking their foot off the gas, the squad should have a great chance to get back on the winning track today. Expect an exciting afternoon contest, with an atmosphere that will likely be  dialed up in intensity. The entire city of Dallas has been in its feelings since the shocking trade. And Houston would love to do nothing more than further instigate the situation by getting a win in the Mavs’ first home game after the trade. Be prepared for an entertaining day of Rockets basketball, as Houston looks to get back on track as there I-45 rivals begin a new era.

American Airlines Center:  Dallas, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (32-19):  Red

Dallas Mavericks (27-25):  White

 

Tip-Off:  2:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Deja Blues:  Rockets Suffer Another Collapse in 127-114 Loss to Timberwolves, Lose Fifth Straight

March of the Ant.    Closing Struggles.    Nosediving.

On Thursday night, the Rockets outscored the Timberwolves in the first three quarters, and looked poised to end their losing streak. Then came the dreaded fourth quarter. Houston struggled mightily once again in the final frame, scoring only 16 points  in the quarter en route to a 127-114 loss to Minnesota. The defeat is the Rockets’ fifth straight loss, as Houston continues to nosedive down the Western Conference standings. After winning the first matchup between these squads, the Rockets are now 1-2 against the Wolves this season. With this loss, the Denver Nuggets have now moved ahead of the Rockets for third place in the West. Houston is in danger of falling even further down the standings with both Los Angeles teams and now this Minnesota club breathing down their necks.

After scoring 49 points the previous night, Anthony Edwards had plenty left in the tank, as he torched Houston’s defense for 41 points. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points on 9-for-22 shooting from the field. Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore scored 16 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough in the losing effort. Even in victories this season, Houston has struggled in fourth quarters, particularly on offense. The Rockets need to figure out how to string four solid quarters of basketball together. Despite being the more rested team, Houston ran out of gas late in this contest, as Edwards fueled a Wolves comeback rally. Whether it’s lack of discipline, fatigue, or just disinterest, the Rockets are faltering at the end of games, and it’s a trait they need to drop quickly.

Up next, the goings get even tougher, as Houston visits Dallas to face the Mavericks on Saturday afternoon. It will be the Mavs’ first game since trading Luka Doncic. The Mavs are coming off an impressive blowout win in Boston over the Celtics in their previous game. Besides being a matinee affair, which Houston struggles mightily in day games, Saturday will mark Anthony Davis’ Mavericks debut. Expect the atmosphere inside American Airlines Center to be dicey, as fans in Dallas have expressed their angst since the shocking trade one week ago. The Rockets need to tune out all the noise or embrace it, whichever suits their playing style best. Houston is desperately trying to break their season-high five game skid, and they’d love to further instigate the situation in Dallas.

Rockets Urgently Seeking Victory, Battle Timberwolves

Round Three.    Desperation Mode.    Missing FVV.

 

On Thursday night, the Rockets limp into Minnesota for their third matchup with the Timberwolves. Houston and Minnesota have split the season series so far, with the road team winning both of the previous games in thrilling fashion. The Rockets enter this contest in a slump, riding a season-high four game losing streak. And Houston is coming off arguably their most heartbreaking loss of the season in game they gifted to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. The Wolves are coming off a blowout win over the Chicago Bulls at home last night, so at least the Rockets will have the rest advantage tonight.

Anthony Edwards scored a career-high 49 points in Minnesota’s win last night, and he was huge factor in the Wolves win in Houston in the second meeting between these squads. Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, and other Rockets will need to keep Edwards from scoring 30 points. If Ant-Man reaches that mark, Minnesota’s usually victorious. Fred VanVleet remains out for tonight’s matchup, as he will miss his third straight game due to an ankle injury. Steven Adams is also listed as doubt for Houston entering this contest.

Despite their stunning loss in Brooklyn, there was a pinch of good news for the Rockets. After missing two games with a calf injury, Alperen Sengun returned to score 24 points and grab 20 rebounds in a dominant performance. Houston needs more players to step up tonight if they want to beat a Minnesota team that’s rising in the standings. The Wolves are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference, and only a half game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the sixth spot.

Meanwhile, if Houston keeps losing, the Rockets are in jeopardy of falling from the third spot all the way to possibly even out of playoff contention. With 32 games remaining, there’s still a lot of basketball to be played. And the West is brutally competitive, with eleven, or twelve (if you count the San Antonio Spurs, who are on the fringe) teams battling for ten playoff or play-in spots. 

Tonight will reveal the caliber of Houston’s mental toughness. The Rockets need to wash the previous game out of their memory, and move forward. As with most game during what’s been a very exciting season, expect another thrilling contest of Houston Rockets basketball tonight, as the squad aims to snap their losing streak against a rising conference foe.

 

Target Center:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (32-18):  Red

Minnesota Timberwolves (28-23):  Gray

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Suffer Shocking Collapse, Fall to Nets, 99-97, in Final Seconds

Kamikaze.    Seismic Shift.    Darkness Falls.     

No one saw this coming. Despite leading by five points with ten seconds in the game, the Rockets collapsed in the final seconds, losing to the Nets, 99-97, on Saturday night. Houston seemed like they had this game won until an errant inbounds pass from Amen Thompson bounced out to Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell, who hit a go-ahead three-pointer with a few seconds left to seal the win for the Nets. Keon Johnson led Brooklyn’s scoring attack with 22 points in a winning effort.

The Rockets have suffered some heartbreaking losses this season, but none were on the level of this defeat. Houston utterly shot themselves in the foot, and gifted this game to Brooklyn. And they spoiled a very solid bounce back performance from Aleperen Sengun, who returned from a two-game injury absence to register 24 points and 20 rebounds in the loss. Reed Sheppard also had the best game of his young career. The rookie scored 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a career-high 28 minutes of action. Sheppard needs more games like this if he wants any chance of seeing playing time when the Rockets are fully healthy. Houston’s rookie has been a disappointment this season, whether people want to admit it or not. It was nice to see Sheppard finally have something slightly resembling a good performance on the basketball court.

With the defeat, the Rockets are now sliding in the wrong direction, riding a season-high four game losing streak. And with this loss, it feels as if a seismic shift has happens. That the good times for Houston may be over. Hopefully I’m wrong, but the road trip only gets tougher. The Rockets were supposed to win at least one, if not both of these recent games with Brooklyn, yet both ended with disappointing results.

This losing streak the Rockets are currently mired in has pushed them down to third place out West, and only a mere one game in the loss column ahead the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. After their tremendous play on the previous road trip, no one expected Houston to struggle like they have recently, losing all three of their final matches to the Big Apple area squads. For the first time all year, it feels like darkness has truly fallen on the Rockets season.

Up next on this four game road trip, Houston will try and snap their skid as they visit Minnesota to battle the Timberwolves. The Wolves have been heating up lately, and have climbed up to the seventh spot in the Western Conference. If the Rockets want to avoid falling farther down the West standings, they’ll need a bounce-back performance against the Wolves on Thursday night.

Rockets Aim to Snap Skid in Matchup with Nets

Across the Bridge.    Brooklyn Payback.    Goodbye, NY.

The Rockets finish their New York two-step with a visit across the Brooklyn Bridge to battle the Nets on Tuesday night. Brooklyn won the first matchup between these teams, 110-98, back in Houston on Saturday night. The Nets haven’t played since that game, with two days of fresh legs for their players. Meanwhile, the Rockets are coming off a tough loss against the New York Knicks last night (Monday). Despite Brooklyn’s rest advantage, it’s tough to beat the same team in a row twice in the NBA, and the Rockets are playing with more intensity since their loss to the Nets in the first meeting a few days ago.

Houston is riding a three game losing streak for the first time all season entering this contest. Fred VanVleet will miss his second straight game tonight, but Alperen Sengun is listed as probable. After playing every game of the season, Al-P has missed the last couple matches, and the Rockets are 0-2 without Sengun in the lineup this season. Regardless if their All-Star center plays tonight, the Rockets should win this game. Expect Ime Udoka to have Houston fired up and hungry for revenge, after an embarrassing outing in a losing effort to these Nets on Saturday night at home.

This is the third straight game the Rockets are playing a New York area team. And it’s the last time they’ll play the Nets or Knicks until next season, unless the Rockets and Knicks meet in the NBA Finals (which is possible, but not likely). Despite playing the second half of a back-to-back, look for Houston to play with more energy than they did against the Nets in the first matchup. The Rockets have shown they’re actually a better team on the road, compared to playing at Toyota Center back home this season.

Houston has no excuses to lose this game tonight. And this Rockets team should never lose four straight games. As long as they didn’t go out partying in the Big Apple last night, the squad should be in line for a victory in this matchup. Expect Houston’s skid to end tonight, as the Rockets should be ready to channel their road-warrior mindset and beat a very bad Brooklyn Nets team.

 

Barclays Center:  Brooklyn, New York

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (32-17):  Red

Brooklyn Nets (16-33):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  6:30 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Falter Late in 124-118 Loss to Knicks

Improved Effort.    Dog Days.    Skidding.

Despite an overall improved effort from Houston, and an eleven point cushion entering the fourth quarter, the Rockets still managed to fall to the Knicks, 124-118, at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. After a quiet first half where he scored only 13 points, Jalen Brunson exploded in the second half to lead New York’s rally, finishing with 42 points and 10 assists for the Knicks. Houston’s Amen Thompson had his third triple-double of the season, scoring 25 points, grabbing 11 boards, and dishing out 11 assists to lead the Rockets.

Even in their victories, Houston has the bad habit of letting teams back into games after holding a big lead. Sometimes the Rockets hang on to win, but that wasn’t the case against the Knicks. The squad played well missing three key rotational players (Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, and Jabari Smith Jr.), but it still wasn’t enough to beat one of the beasts of the Eastern Conference. New York is slightly behind the Boston Celtics for the second seed out East. And the Rockets are now one  game in the loss column behind the Memphis Grizzlies for second place in the Western Conference.

For the first time all season, Houston has lost three consecutive games, and finds themselves mired in a true losing streak. This time of the NBA season is considered the NBA’s “Dog Days,” when teams often hit a wall. It seems like the Rockets are experiencing the dog days with a bad mixture of significant injuries. However, Houston has a great chance to break the skid in their next game against the Nets, who beat the Rockets on Saturday night at Toyota Center back in Houston. It’s not known if VanVleet or Sengun will return for Tuesday night’s contest in Brooklyn. And Smith Jr. still doesn’t have a return date, but it’s appearing he’s progressing, and should hopefully be back on the court in roughly a month.

The Rockets need to put this game behind them, and move on to get revenge on a much worse Nets team. Brooklyn should’ve never beaten Houston in the first matchup on Saturday. The Rockets beat themselves, and were never ready or prepared to play upon the opening tip. Houston’s effort was much better in the Garden on Monday night. They’ll need to carry that energy across the Brooklyn Bridge as they prepare to face the Nets in the second game of this New York double-head on Tuesday night.