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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.

Rockets Visit Thunder for Friday Night Showdown

Out of State.    Embrace the Storm.    First of its Kind.

 

For the first time all season, the Rockets will venture out of Texas, as they visit Oklahoma City for a battle with the Thunder on Friday night. So far into this early season, Oklahoma City looks like the best team in the West. They’re coming off their first loss of the season, a tough two-point loss on the road to the Denver Nuggets. Which means MVP-candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co. will be extra motivated to get back on the winning track. The Thunder also haven’t lost at home all season, winning all games in their house by at least double-digits. None of this is good news for the Rockets, who are aiming for their first three-game winning streak of this season.

If Houston wants to pull off the upset, everyone is going to need to have a big game on the roster. And the Rockets will have to hope OKC is having an off night. Besides SGA, Chet Holmgren is one of the best young bigs in the league, and his matchup with Alperen Sengun could potentially decide this game’s outcome, if the proceedings are close. Houston has yet to be blown out this season, they’ve stormed back and prevented blowouts. If the Rockets can embrace the storm, and stay within reaching distance, they have a shot to at least make this an exciting game. And if Steven Adams plays, Houston has an even better shot. The Rockets are 3-0 this season with Adams in the lineup. His presence could certainly be used against a deep and talented OKC squad. Expect the Thunder to come out intense on both ends after suffering their first loss. OKC’s fans are underrated: some of the loudest, most passionate, and loyal fans in then entire league.

This is the first game of its kind this season. A matchup, that for many reasons, points towards a Thunder victory. The Rockets can fight this expected outcome, and a win would be Houston’s most impressive of the season. But regardless of the result, this is the first truly benchmark game for the Rockets that will measure where they stand with the NBA’s elite. Unlike Dallas, OKC doesn’t overlook any opponents. The Thunder will be more than ready to play and try and stay undefeated at home. Can the Rockets play spoilers for their fans for the first time this season? Find out tonight in what should be a thrilling Friday night fight between two Western foes.

 

Paycom Center:  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (5-3):  White

Oklahoma City Thunder (7-1):  Orange

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Blast Past Spurs, 127-100, for Second Straight Win

Spreading the Wealth.    Interior Domination.    Leaving Texas.

For seemingly the first time all season, the Rockets won a game with relative ease, defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 127-100, on Wednesday night. A balanced attack led Houston’s domination over their Texas rivals. Fred VanVleet had his best game of the season, scoring 21 points on near-perfect 10-for-11 shooting. Jalen Green added 21 points as well for the Rockets, including 4 three pointers. Houston had seven players score in double-figures. All of the starters scored at least 10 points, and Tari Eason added a dozen, while Jock Landale chipped in 11 points off the bench.

Overall, the Rockets had 14 different guys see court time, with a dozen Houston players scoring at least 2 points. Most of the Houston’s games will be against better teams than these Spurs, so box scores like these will likely be rare. But if Head Coach Ime Udoka can get contributions from everyone on his squad, and maximize the Rockets’ depth potential, Houston will be a dangerous threat to upset people’s expectations in the Western Conference.

The Rockets dominated this game inside, outscoring the Spurs 66-46 in the paint. Despite Victor Wembanyama’s size, he hasn’t posed much of a problem for Houston in the early start to his career. Alperen Sengun didn’t have an incredible game, but he didn’t need to have a dominant performance. Sengun made his physical presence felt against Wembanyama, who was held to only 15 points in the matchup. The Spurs also had a balanced attack, albeit less powerful than the Rockets. San Antonio had six players reach double-figure scoring, but only two of those guys scored more than 10 points. In Houston, the Spurs were no match for a much better Rockets team who made quick and easy work of their I-10 Rivals. This game was the third meeting between these teams in Houston’s first eight games. These Texas foes won’t square off again until late February back here in H-Town at Toyota Center. The Rockets have tougher tasks ahead, as they prepare for a quick two-game road-trip.

Houston will now leave the state of Texas for the first time all season. All three of the Rockets road games have been in Texas so far, with two coming in San Antonio against these Spurs, and the other resulting in Houston’s best win of the season last week in Dallas. Up next the Rockets will face by far their toughest challenge of the season yet, as they travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. The squad needs to rest up, as there will be no relative ease in beating this OKC team in their house.

Familiar Foes:  Rockets Host Spurs to Close Home-Stand

Act 3.    CPD.    Texas-Sized Showdown.   

 

Them again. The Rockets close their home-stand as they meet the San Antonio Spurs for the third time in this season’s first eight games. These squads won’t meet again until February 26th, for the final meeting of the season. So far, the clubs split two games in San Antonio. Both matches were close, and featured the Jekyll and Hyde Rockets. Tonight, Houston will try to win wire-to-wire against a Spurs team that simply isn’t as good as these Rockets. San Antonio is 2-2 since these teams last met, and the Spurs are coming off a loss to the Clippers after blowing a 26-point lead. Houston will be without Steven Adams tonight, and that’s not a good sign. The Rockets are 3-0 when Adams plays, and a struggling 1-3 when he’s not on the court. Expect another big outing from Alperen Sengun if the Rockets want to rack up another win tonight. Jalen Green played well in both San Antonio contests against the Spurs, and he’s due for a bounce-back game tonight after a couple of sub-par performances.

Chris Paul played well in previous meeting between these teams, and almost led the Spurs to a comeback win. Houston needs to execute great defense on the Point God, and prevent him form controlling the pace and flow of tonight’s game. San Antonio’s irritant, the Dennis Rodman-wannabe Jeremy Sochan, is out tonight with an injury. Which is good news for the Rockets as Sochan usually plays well against Houston. Expect to see more of the Rockets dynamic bench duo in Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. They’re intensity, energy, and defense are tops on this squad, and their style play is contagious. Houston is simply a much better team when this pair gets more playing time. Without Adams in the lineup, expect Coach Ime Udoka to dish out at least 25 min to his lethal bench duo tonight.

We’re only eight games into a long season, but tonight’s matchup is important for the Rockets tonight. Boasting a record of 4-3, Houston can continue to climb further above .500 with a victory against the Spurs, and it would give the Rockets a 2-1 edge in the season-series. Both games in San Antonio were close, and the Spurs are currently without their Head Coach, Gregg Popovich, due to a health issue. And despite losing their previous game, this young San Antonio squad is motivated to win for their coach, who apparently suffered a “serious” health issue, and there is some level of concern for his well-being. Not much more information has been released, but the Spurs are playing hard for their legendary coach. Expect another close nail-biter between these teams again tonight, as the Rockets try to close this home-stand with a victory.

 

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

San Antonio Spurs (3-4):  Black

Houston Rockets (4-3):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Sengun Powers Rockets to 109-97 Victory Over Knicks

Return of the Wizard.    Undefeated Adams.    Winning Template.

 

He’s officially back. After a few subpar games, Alperen Sengun returned to the best version of himself on Monday night, leading the Rockets to a 109-97 victory over the New York Knicks. Also known on nights like these as “The Wizard”, Sengun finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks on the night. This matchup was closer than the final score indicates. The Rockets held a 15-point lead in the first half, and almost let the Knicks storm back in the second half. Jalen Green hit a couple of clutch threes, but struggled throughout the game. Green scored 15 points on 5-for-15 shooting from the floor. Amen Thompson had 12 points and 9 boards off the bench, and Tari Eason brought his usual energy that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. Coach Ime Udoka is starting to utilize this dynamic duo off the bench more often, as their energy and defense is infectious, and exactly what this young Rockets team needs.

Fred VanVleet finally showed up to the party. After a dreadful start, FVV had his best game of the season against the Knicks. VanVleet registered 19 points and dished out 5 dimes in the victory. Reed Sheppard had the best game of his young NBA career. The rookie scored 7 points on 3-for-8 shooting, and grabbed 2 boards in a limited 14 minutes of action. Given Houston’s roster depth, it will be difficult for Sheppard to see consistent playing time, unless injuries occur. Regardless, on Monday night the sharpshooting rookie finally looked comfortable out on the court. And the Rockets now improved to 3-0 when Steven Adams plays. The Aussie center has missed four of Houston’s first seven games dealing with injury management, but his presence has been felt when he’s on the floor. The intangibles that Adams brings (defense, toughness, offensive rebounding) are hard to match with any big man in the entire league. It’s no surprise the Rockets are undefeated when Adams is in uniform. Expect the big man to be a huge contributor for Houston all season.

This win over New York is the closest the Rockets have had to playing four solid quarters in the same game. Sure, they let the Knicks back within a few points after leading by 15, but Houston managed to close this game, and made the final score appear misleading. This contest was very close in clutch time, yet this time, the Rockets were able to avoid any late-game collapses. It’s as close to a winning template for Houston as we’ve seen all season. Green needs to perform better, along with Jabari Smith Jr., but everyone contributed for the Rockets in this win. Up next, the Rockets are back in action on Wednesday night, as they close their home-stand against the San Antonio Spurs.

Rockets Aim to Bounce Back, Welcome Knicks to Town

New-Look Knicks.    Ready Steady.    Physical Uptick.

 

Jalen Green and the Rockets look to bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Warriors in their previous outing, as they host the New York Knicks. Houston erased a 31-point deficit to force overtime, but ultimately came up short. Green had his worst performance of the season, scoring only 7 points. Look for the guard to bounce back tonight against a new-look New York Knicks squad.

New York made big waves in the offseason, trading Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns. Both players are former All-Stars, and time will tell who won the deal. KAT is one of the best shooting big men in the league, and poses a huge perimeter threat. The Knicks also acquired Mikal Bridges, adding another former Villanova player to their ‘Nova Knicks team. Jalen Brunson remains one of the best guards in the game, and O.G. Anunoby and Josh Hart are two of the best hustle players in the league.

This is the second toughest team (behind Dallas) the Rockets have faced so far into this young season. Houston needs to put four solid quarters of basketball together if they want a chance to beat this tough New York squad. The Knicks boast a 3-2 record, with their lone losses coming to the defending champion Boston Celtics, and the still-undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. Expect New York to give Houston a tough challenge on Monday night at Toyota Center. If the Rockets can’t remain steady they’re in for a world of hurt tonight. 

One player to keep an eye on in tonight’s contest is Alperen Sengun. Al-P’s been benched in the fourth quarter in several games, and he may be the key to a victory over the Knicks on Monday night. Sengun needs to up his physicality in this matchup. Considering Towns is a perimeter-oriented center, Sengun needs to attack Towns in the paint. KAT isn’t necessarily one of the toughest players in the NBA. This is Sengun’s chance to have a much-needed bounce-back performance for the Rockets. Will the Jekyll and Hyde Rockets show up again tonight? It’s been the case in every game so far this season. Led by the stern Tom Thibodeau at coach, the Knicks are a difficult team to mount a rally against. If Houston digs themselves another early hole they could be in trouble. But if the Rockets can stay within fighting distance into the fourth quarter, they should be able to get back on track in game two of this home-stand.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

New York Knicks (3-2):  Blue

Houston Rockets (3-3):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:45 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Furious Rally Falls Short in 127-121 OT Loss to Warriors

Deja Blues.    Jekyll and Hyde.    H-Town Heartbreak.

By the third quarter, some fans began to leave the arena at Toyota Center on Saturday night. Houston trailed by as many as 31 points in the second quarter, and the deficit remained in the 20’s for the majority of the next frame. But those fans missed out one incredible basketball game, despite a disappointing result for the home fans. Fueled by Tari Eason, who had the game of his life, the Rockets stormed all the way back, even gaining a one-point lead in several instances late in the fourth quarter. However, Eason and his teammates were gassed in extra time, as Houston managed only 2 points, shooting 1-for-12 from the floor in overtime. The result was a heartbreaking 127-121 OT loss for the Rockets. This defeat now marks the 14th straight time Houston has lost at the hands of the Warriors. Even without Stephen Curry, Golden State shot the lights out in the first half to build a huge lead. Eason and Amen Thompson both had their best games of the season off the bench for the Rockets. Eason scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Thompson supplied 18 points and 11 boards. And both players brought the intensity on the defensive end, which sparked Houston’s rally. The comeback would’ve been the biggest in franchise history had the Rockets pulled out the victory.

After five solid outings, Jalen Green had his worst game of the season, scoring only 7 points on 2-for-13 shooting. Green’s had a history of struggling against Golden State. Expect him to bounce back in Houston’s next contest. Alperen Sengun scored 14 points and snagged 10 rebounds, but the big man was once again benched in the fourth quarter, an early season trend that needs to change for the Rockets to reach their potential this year. Jabari Smith Jr. scored 21 points, and hit some big shots to help Houston send the game to overtime. After a slow start, Bari is rounding into form, but the Rockets need more from Sengun, and Fred VanVleet, who’s shooting woes continued on Saturday night.

Through six games this season, we’ve seen the Jekyll and Hyde Rockets. One half they play well, and the other they don’t. It’s happened in each game so far. Houston either falls behind early, and then mounts a huge comeback, or they build a big lead and let their opponent back in the contest. The results have been different in who comes out the victory, but the structure of each match has been relatively the same. Houston needs to play four solid quarters of basketball in the same game. If they can’t, this whiplash Jekyll and Hyde style of play is not going to result in a successful season. At best, the Rockets will finish around .500, same as last season, if they continue playing this way. Hopefully Houston can play a complete game for the first time this season, as they host the New York Knicks for a Monday-night matchup. New York will be the second toughest opponent the squad has faced all season, but they’re not unbeatable. Hopefully the Rockets can at least keep the fans in their seats come Monday night.