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Rockets Visit Chi-Town for a Battle with the Bulls

Great Lakes Trip.    Drive for Five.    Dangerous Animal.

Fresh off their first win of the NBA Cup’s Group Stage, a dominant victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Rockets hit the road for a quick two-game Great Lakes trip. Houston battles the Bulls tonight in Chicago before heading to Milwaukee on Monday night to wrap up the trip. The Rockets are also seeking a season-high fifth straight win tonight. Chicago is 5-8 on the season, as they’re coming off a blowout road loss to the still-undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, whose 14-0 start has been the talk of the league so far this year.

This is a game the Rockets should win, and it’s the first of a back-to-back. Tomorrow night’s tilt in Milwaukee against a Greek Freak who’s heating up will be much more difficult. Houston is simply better than this Bulls team, but if the Rockets don’t come out with intensity, they could be upset in Chicago. Tonight’s opponent for Houston is a much more dangerous animal than they may initially appear.

The Bulls are a better squad than their record states. Chicago has already played the Cavs twice this season, and their schedule has been difficult to start the year. They also have plenty of talented players, in Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Patrick Williams, and Josh Giddey. Any of those guys are capable of scoring 20 points on any given night. LaVine has superstar potentiall, but injuries among other factors have kept him from reaching that status. White is one of the most improved players from last season. And Giddey is a newcomer from the Oklahoma City Thunder. And Vucevic has especially played well against Houston throughout his career. Keep an eye on his matchup with Alperen Sengun tonight, as the Wizard has his hands full against one of the more underrated All-Star caliber players in the NBA in Vucevic.

In their last game, the Rockets had 31 assists. As long as Houston continues to move the basketball and play as a team, they should be able to secure their fifth straight win tonight. Be prepared for a close game, as the Rockets and Bulls usually seem to go down to the wire in Chicago. But hopefully Houston can put this game away early, and demonstrate that their recent dominance is no fluke. The Rockets’ drive for five straight wins begins tonight, as they prepare to run with the Bulls in the first of a back-to-back set in the Great Lakes.

 

United Center:  Chicago, Illinois

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (9-4):  Red

Chicago Bulls (5-8):  White

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Sink Clippers, 125-104, to Begin NBA Cup Play

One Down, Three to Go.    Past to Future.    Dish Domination.

In their first NBA Cup game of the season, the Rockets dispatched the Los Angeles Clippers quickly in a 125-104 win on Friday night. With the victory, Houston is currently first in their group’s standings, the West Group A. But it’s still early in the group stage, as the Rockets have three more games remaining as they try and advance to the knockout stage. These matchups include a home tilt with the Portland Trail Blazers on November 22nd, followed by a road visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 26th, then closing with a battle on the road with the Sacramento Kings.

After being mired in a horrible slump, Jabari Smith Jr. had his best game of the season so far. Bari led Houston with 28 points, and also grabbed 11 rebounds. Alperen Sengun had his first triple-double of the season, notching 16 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists on the evening. Dillon Brooks continues to be a pleasant bonus surprise on offense. Brooks is known primarily as a defender, but he’s improved on offense this season, most notably due to his hot shooting from beyond the arc. Dillon “The Villain” scored 17 points, including an impressive 5-for-9 shooting from distance in the win over the Clips. Fred VanVleet had one of his better games of the season, registering 18 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds for the night.

And  arguably the most impactful duo of the season so far for the Rockets, the “Terror Twins,” were once again brilliant. Amen Thompson scored 12 points, along with 5 boards and 3 assists. And Tari Eason contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. Both players have been a force on the defensive end, and on the fast break. The “Terror Twins” dominate in transition, igniting the Rockets to play at a faster pace, which is in the squad’s favor. Given the youth and athleticism on the roster, Houston excels when they play at a faster pace on both ends of the court. The Rockets have struggled offensively in half court offense scenarios so far this season, and they need to capitalize on these transition opportunities as often as possible.

Jalen Green had his second-lowest scoring game of the season, but he was at the center of the highlight of this game, a play that emphasized the final score and domination of the Rockets over the Clippers over these past two games. In the first half, Green took a pass from about half-court and threw it down right over the head of James Harden for a beautiful alley-oop. Not necessarily a passing of the torch moment, but the play signifies the difference between the past and the future. Harden will always be considered one of the greatest Rockets to ever play for the squad. But his time in Houston, along with his glory days are in the past. The future for this Rockets team is Jalen Green. Alperen Sengun may Houston’s best player, but the Rockets will ultimately only go as far as Green takes them. He needs to improve his consistency. But as Green showed in the first four contests of this season, he’s one of the best players in the NBA when he’s at the top of his game.

The Rockets won this game easily, in wire-to-wire fashion, as they never trailed. They dominated the assist battle, out-dishing the Clips 31-12 in the blowout victory. Houston needs to continue to play as a team and move the basketball. This team is so deep and versatile, the Rockets are at their best when multiple players are making significant contributions. Up next, Houston heads out for a quick two-game road trip on Sunday night near the Great Lakes, as they prepare for a matchup with the Chicago Bulls, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

Rockets Host Clippers in Rematch to Kick-Off NBA Cup Play

Part 2.    Chase for the Cup.    Red Flags.

It’s tough to beat the same team twice in a row, but the Rockets will aim for that goal as they host the Los Angeles Clippers once again on Friday night. Tonight is the first NBA Cup game for both squads. And Houston was also in the same NBA Cup Group as L.A. last season. Besides the Clips, the Rockets Group A in the West is comprised of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s a winnable group for Houston, with the action starting tonight with a rematch at Toyota Center with the Clippers.

This will be the second time this season the Rockets have played the same team twice in a row in the same building. As the mini-series in San Antonio demonstrated earlier this year, it’s difficult to beat the same team in consecutive games. Both of those games were close, with the Rockets and Spurs splitting the pair. The first game against the Clippers on Wednesday could be a warning sign for tonight’s rematch in Houston.

Speaking of warning signs, there are some red flags the Rockets need to be aware of entering this matchup. Besides the challenge of beating a playoff-caliber team twice in a row, last game had some theatrics that don’t bode well for Houston entering tonight’s contest. Clippers Head Coach Tyronn Lue benched James Harden and the starters in the fourth quarter of the previous game. L.A.’s third-stringers almost propelled a successful comeback for the Clips, but the Rockets were able to withstand their rally. Don’t expect Lue to bench his starters tonight. Unless Houston has control of this contest in blowout fashion, which is unlikely.

Expect the Terror Twins to bring the usual intensity, energy, and defense that has sparked the Rockets over their current three-game winning streak. However, Houston needs more from Jabari Smith Jr. To begin his third season, Bari has struggled dramatically, and whispers of whether or not he should remain a starter have begun circling around the rumor wheels. Hopefully Smith can find his game like he did last season, as he improved throughout last year’s campaign. Otherwise, it may be time for Head Coach Ime Udoka to make a tweak in the starting lineup. This Rockets team boasts too much potential to hold back from putting the best lineup out their possible every night. The coaches know this. The fans know this. We’re still only a dozen games into the season, so I’d still give Jabari a few games to figure things out. But the clock is ticking.

Tonight’s matchup will feature the new NBA Cup Court for the Rockets, which once again looks like a bloodbath on a basketball court. Expect a close, thrilling matchup tonight. With more stakes on the line, and the challenge of beating the same team twice… the Rockets face quite the test on Friday night as they aim to go five games over .500 for the first time in four years.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (6-6):  White

Houston Rockets (8-4):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Sail Past Clippers, 111-103, for Third Straight Win

Hustle Kings.    Benched Beard.    Seconds.

Despite trailing by 11 points early in this contest, the Rockets managed to secure a half-time lead, and then fended off the Clippers for a 111-103 victory on Wednesday night. Jalen Green led Houston with 21 points. Alperen Sengun registered another double-double on the season with 13 points and 11 boards. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks chipped in 15 points apiece. But the real difference makers in this game came in the form of the Terror Twins: Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.

Houston’s ferocious bench duo proved to be a force once again in tandem on the court. Thompson finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Eason contributed 18 points and 10 boards. They also led the way as the Rockets dominated the hustle stats in this contest. Houston out-rebounded L.A., and won the steals and blocks battle. Thanks to the Terror Twins, the Rockets also outscored the Clips 19-6 on second-chance points. Jabari Smith Jr. struggles continued on Wednesday night. Bari finished with only 5 points on 1-for-6 shooting. Hopefully, the third year forward can snap out of his slump in the rematch this coming Friday night. The Rockets need the Jabari who improved throughout last year to finally show up this season.

In an odd sequence, James Harden and most of the Clippers starters were benched in the fourth quarter. Ironically, L.A.’s third stringers fueled a comeback attempt, cutting Houston’s 19-point lead down to only 4 points in the final minutes. The Rockets managed to survive, but don’t expect to see L.A.’s coach Tyronn Lue waive the white flag in the upcoming rematch between these squads on Friday night.

These same two teams will meet again at Toyota Center on Friday night. However, that match will be under slightly different circumstances. It’s the first NBA Cup game for Houston and L.A. The Rockets got close to reaching the knockout round last season, and ironically were also in the group with the Clips last year. Houston will try and beat Los Angeles for the second straight time. The Rockets need to win the second-chance points and transition battle once again if they want to beat these Clips twice in a row. Expect L.A. to come out hungry for revenge. Houston should be prepared to be in a close contest until the final buzzer sounds, as both teams kick off their NBA Cup back here at Toyota Center on Friday night.

Rockets Host Harden, Clippers to Begin Two Game Home Series

Part 1.    The Beard Returns.    Knock Down.

The Houston Rockets welcome James Harden and Los Angeles Clippers to town, as the teams begin a two-game set on Wednesday night. The Clippers are 6-5 so far this season, but they’ve had a fairly difficult schedule to start their campaign. Four of their five losses have come to the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder, both tied for first place in the West. They’ve also beaten the Golden State Warriors, who are also share a spot of first place, and the Denver Nuggets who sit in fourth behind these three teams. Basically, Los Angeles has been tested, and the Rockets will need to bring their “A” game if they want to win at least one of these upcoming two games. A return of Fred VanVleet to the court certainly wouldn’t hurt the Rockets, as the point guard’s status is still questionable.

James Harden makes his first return to H-Town this season. The Beard is far removed from his MVP days in Houston, but Harden is still averaging close to a triple-double a contest, registering nearly 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists a game to start the season. Besides Harden, Los Angeles has Ivica Zubac, who always seems to play well against the Rockets, as their starting center. And Zubac is coming off a 22-point, 14-rebound performance against the OKC Thunder in the Clips previous game. L.A.’s big man will pose a big test for Alperen Sengun, as Houston’s center looks to continue his run of impressive performances over the past couple contests.

If the Rockets want to win this game, they’ll need to shoot the ball with more efficiency. It’s that simple. Houston has struggled knocking down shots all season. They’ve been solid on the defensive end, but if the Rockets can turn their offense around, they should be able to beat the Clips tonight. This game also sees the return of former-Rocket Kevin Porter Jr., who is now on L.A.’s roster. Black Joker could be an X-Factor in this game. Norman Powell and Derrick Jones Jr. could have big games any night. This Clippers team is not to be slept on. Houston is aiming for their first three game winning streak of the season tonight. And against this battle-tested Clips squad, these young Rockets will certainly be tested tonight. Expect a close and exciting matchup as the Rockets and Clippers square off on Wednesday night in the first of two straight at Toyota Center.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (6-5):  White

Houston Rockets (7-4):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Sengun Dominates in Rockets 107-92 Dispelling of Wizards

Wizard Over Wizards.    Terror Twins.    Defensive Showcase.

The Wizard overpowered the Washington Wizards basketball team on Monday night at Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun, aka “The Wizard,” put on a dominant performance, leading the Rockets to a 107-92 victory in front of the home fans. Washington had no answer for Sengun, who scored 27 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, to go along with 3 assists and 3 blocks. Wizards rookie Alex Sarr looked helpless trying to defend Sengun. Houston’s center has vastly improved on the defensive end as well this season. Sengun held Sarr to only 5 points, and the entire Rockets team had one of their best games of the defensive end. This is the first back-to-back Houston has played this season, and despite the opponent, it’s still a positive sign. The Rockets were only 2-10 in the end of back-to-backs last season. And they’ll have at least more than ten of those contests remaining on the schedule.

On Monday night, Houston had the most blocks and steals they’ve had all season in their win over the Wiz. Led by Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, also known as the “Terror Twins,” the Rockets were beasts on defense all night. The Terror Twins contributed 7 steals and 6 blocks combined, as the pair continues to be a tenacious presence for opposing offenses. The Rockets led for the entire game, but still let the Wizards cut the lead to 6 points in the fourth quarter. Houston managed to pull away using a 19-5 run in the fourth quarter, but the squad is still struggling to shoot the ball.

Houston’s offense needs to improve in the coming games, as the Rockets prepare for a two-game home series against James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. The Clips are a lethal offensive team compared to the lowly Wizards that Houston defeated on Monday night. Hopefully, Fred VanVleet will be ready to return from injury, as his absence was felt against Washington, despite coming out victorious.

Without their starting point guard, the Rockets committed a season-high 21 turnovers, dished out a season-low 13 assists, and made only 5 threes, also a season low. The Wizards are a bad team, and Houston got lucky they got to play them without FVV. Despite his struggles to start the season, the Rockets need VanVleet if they’re going to seriously contend for a playoff spot this year. They’re also going to need Sengun to continue his surge in play, as Houston readies for a two-game series against a much better Clippers team, beginning Wednesday night.

Rockets Return Home to Host Sliding Wizards

Better Back Half.    Essentials.    Fast Start.

After escaping Detroit with a narrow win over the Pistons, the Rockets return home for three straight games at Toyota Center. First up, Houston welcomes the Washington Wizards to town on Monday night. After starting the season 2-2, the Wiz have dropped their last four games, and are poised to dwell near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, as has been the case for more than a decade. Both teams played yesterday, so fatigue could be in store for tonight’s matchup.

Fred VanVleet will miss tonight’s game with a sore hamstring, so the Rockets will be down one of their starters. Steven Adams is also questionable for Monday night’s matchup, as has been the case for most games this season as the veteran eases back from a leg injury. Expect Amen Thompson to get the starting nod, with more minutes in line for Tari Eason, Houston’s energizer bunny. Besides the flying in for the dunk of the year in Detroit, Jalen Green has struggled over the last few games. Tonight is a great opportunity for him to get back on track against a bad Wizards team. Jordan Poole leads the way for a rebuilding Washington squad who also features the second overall pick in the draft, center Alex Sarr on their roster.

Houston will need to play better than the slugfest in Detroit if they want to beat the Wiz to begin this three-game home-stand. These are the essential games the Rockets can’t afford to lose if they want to make the playoffs in the competitive Western Conference. Matching up against a losing team at home, especially in the weaker East, Houston should win the vast majority of these games. Unfortunately, they already lost one of these “essential” games in their opening night collapse to the Charlotte Hornets. The Rockets have proven they’re better than that performance, going 6-3 on since the opener.

The squad needs to get off to a fast start. Houston can’t afford to overlook this bad Wizards team. They’re still professional basketball players, and if the Rockets let them hang around, Washington could make the proceedings dangerous come clutch time. Expect another close, potentially ugly game, but the Rockets should have enough firepower to pull out the win at home.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Washington Wizards (2-6):  White

Houston Rockets (6-4):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Outlast Pistons, 101-99, in Motor City Rock Fight

Survival of the Fittest.    Say Cheese.    Beastin’ Eason.

In a match that evolved into a physical slugfest, the Rockets escaped Detroit with a 101-99 victory over the Pistons on Sunday afternoon. This was the ugliest game of Houston’s season so far, as neither team had any business winning this contest. The Rockets once again struggled shooting the ball, but were able to fend-off a pesky Pistons team late to seal the victory. Houston held an 86-74 lead before Detroit stormed back to take the lead. The Rockets were able to survive, but Cunninhgam and company made the proceedings interesting during clutch time. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 27 points and 10 rebounds, as he was dominant in the paint against a Detroit squad sorely missing their starting center, Jalen Duren. Jalen Green scored only 15 points, as he continues to cool off after his fast start over the first quartet of games this season.

However, Green had the highlight of the season for the Rockets, and arguably the best dunk in entire the NBA so far this season. Green posterized Cade Cunningham in transition on a play that left both benches speechless. Cunningham had the better overall game, registering 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, but Green’s team won and that highlight will be Top-10 SportsCenter-worthy for the rest of the year.

Tari Eason continues to be a difference maker on both ends for Houston, especially defensively. Eason made the steal that created the transition poster for Jalen Green. And Eason always seem to be in the right place at the right time. His chemistry with Amen Thompson creates one of the most lethal bench duos in the league. Eason finished scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, not to mention the intangibles the young swingman always brings on the court. It’s difficult to find a harder-playing guy in the NBA who brings Eason’s intensity.

Fred VanVleet once again struggled with his shot, scoring only 7 points on 3-for-13 shooting from the field. FVV still had 7 rebound and 7 assists, but couldn’t find the rim after a pair of solid scoring performances. Dillon Brooks had another strong game, scoring 14 points and providing the usual toughness that inspires this young team. Up next, the Rockets return home for three games in a row at the friendly confines of Toyota Center. First up, is a matchup with the Washington Wizards. With both teams coming off back-to-backs, another physical slugfest could be in store on Monday night. 

Rockets Clash with Pistons in Motor City Matinee Affair

Afternoon Hoops.    Improved Wheels.    Front Half.

 

The Houston Rockets play a rare day game, as they visit the Detroit Pistons for a Sunday afternoon matchup. This is the first afternoon game of the season for the Rockets, play most of their matches in the evening. Houston is coming off their first blowout loss of the season, a 126-107 defeat at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets aim to bounce back against a Pistons squad that’s still in rebuilding mode. However, so far this season, Detroit is much improved from last year’s dreadful finish in the dweller of the Eastern Conference standings.

The Pistons are 4-6 to start this young campaign, and they have plenty of young talent. Besides Cade Cunningham, the only player selected before Jalen Green in the 2021 Draft Class, the Pistons also acquired Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the offseason. Malik Beasley is also a threat off the bench for Detroit, scoring 22 points in their last game, a one-point win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Pistons also have a new head coach in J.B. “Black Jesus” Bickerstaff. Black Jesus has his Pistons roaring off to a faster start than most expected. His no-phone policy with players during games seems to be working. And there’s nothing the former Rockets Head Coach would rather do than beat one of his many former teams, especially on a Sunday.

Today’s matchup is the first of a back-to-back for the Rockets, and the end of a brief two-gamer road-trip. After this contest, Houston will return home for three straight games, starting with a matchup with the Washington Wizards tomorrow night. Hopefully, Houston can put away Detroit early, and get some much-needed rest for Monday’s game. Keep an eye on the Green-Cunningham matchup. Whichever young star performs better could decide the outcome of this ballgame. Alperen Sengun is also due for a dominant showing, after a quiet performance in the OKC loss. Regardless, the Rockets have a deeper team than the Pistons. After suffering their worst loss of the young season, expect Houston to approach this matchup with an increase in intensity on both ends of the court. Expect a bounce back win for the Rockets on Sunday afternoon, as the squad plays their first day game of the season.

 

Little Caesars Arena:  Detroit, Michigan

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (5-4):  Red

Detroit Pistons (4-6):  White

 

Tip-Off:  2:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Silenced by Thunder in 126-107 Blowout Loss

Death by the Drive.    Boxes and Elbows.    Learning Curve.

 

The Rockets finally suffered their first blowout loss of the season, falling to the Thunder, 126-107, on Friday night. Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Chet Holmgren scored 29 points apiece to lead Oklahoma City. Houston managed to stay with OKC early, evening the score after one period. However, a dreadful second quarter was the Rockets undoing, as they were outscored 44-20 in the period, and never made the proceedings close after halftime. Houston’s defense was obliterated by points via driving to the basket. SGA scored 20 points on the drive alone. The Rockets need to tighten up their defense in the paint if they want to contend with the likes of the Thunder and the NBA’s elite. The 44 points Houston allowed in the second quarter is simply way too much. The Rockets have held teams to under 44 points in a half, but the Thunder stormed out of the gate after the first period to put the matchup away.

OKC swarmed Houston defensively, getting to all the elbows and boxes at necessary times to create double and triple teams on Rocket players. The Rockets didn’t play that bad, they just never recovered from a dreadful second quarter. And the fact Houston’s two best players went 8-26 from the floor, combined to the Thunder’s two best players, who shot 17-27 from the field. The Rockets won’t win many games when Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have subpar performances in the same contest.  Dillon Brooks led the Rockets in scoring with 17 points, but the squad needs more players to step up on nights like these. Houston will face OKC next on December 1st, when the Thunder make their first visit to Toyota Center. 

This game is a learning experience for the Rockets. The Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA, and arguably the best team in the Western Conference. Houston will improve as the season moves on, and they can take away many lessons from how OKC’s team-oriented attitude drives their success. The Rockets are still a very young team, and given the improvement they made last season, they will be better this year. However, realistically Houston is still a few seasons away from being legit contenders. Up next, the Rockets will try and avoid a blowout, as they visit the less completive Detroit Pistons for a Sunday afternoon matinee affair.