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Rockets Visit the Big Easy for Matchup with Pelicans

Surprising Birds.    Missing the Mountain.    Pit-Stop.

After another disappointing loss at home, the Rockets hit the road for the Big Easy for a matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pels are on the biggest surprises in the entire league this season, currently playing a game of music chairs with the second and third seed in the West. Zion Williamson is having an MVP-caliber like year, but the young superstar will be on the sidelines tonight. Zion suffered a hamstring injury Monday night for New Orleans, and will be out for a few weeks. Brandon Ingram, their second-best player is also out tonight for the Pelicans. Something of this magnitude would usually be good news for Houston. But if you’ve been watching these Rockets, you know they’re prone to letdowns, especially against less talented groups. There’s some hope: Houston’s lone win against Dallas came when Luka was out, but this Pelicans team is deeper than the Mavs.

The Rockets will need to take care of the basketball, and prevent playing down to their opposition. Houston has the talent to win on Wednesday night, but New Orleans is a more disciplined basketball team. And they’ve got the best player in shooting guard C.J. McCollum. Can the Rockets finally put it together, and grab their second road win in eight days?

Following tonight’s game, Houston returns home to host the Utah Jazz on the second night of a back-to-back. The Rockets have been downright miserable in the latter part of back-to-backs this year. Houston needs to try and snag one of these next two games, as their season is slowly slipping away. As of now, they’ve all but guaranteed themselves a spot in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-27):  White

New Orleans Pelicans (23-14):  Blue

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Collapse Late, Fall to Mavericks, 111-106

Tale of Two Halves.    Home Woes.    Clueless in the Clutch.

Houston put on one of their better first half showings of the season on Monday night. However, it didn’t matter in the end, as the Rockets collapsed late in their latest setback, a 111-106 loss to the Mavericks. Luka Doncic started out slow, but finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, including some key baskets late that fueled Dallas’ comeback. Kevin Porter Jr. led Houston with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 dimes, even as he continues to get roasted by many local fans, Scoot is merely playing to his own consistent beat, one of the few Rocket players who’s truly been consistent this season.

The frustratingly inconsistent Jalen Green scored 20 points. Eric Gordon added 19 in the scoring column, and Alperen Sengun registered 16 points and grabbed 6 boards. After outscoring the Mavs by 11 points in the first half, Houston couldn’t buy a basket in second half. The Rockets mustered only 19 fourth quarter points, as Dallas came back to deal Houston their sixth straight home loss. After winning five straight at home, Houston can’t seem to put four quarters together at Toyota Center.

Despite coming up short, the Rockets at least made this game competitive for the majority of the night. Houston now faces a back-to-back where they’ll travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans before returning home to host the Utah Jazz. Despite their win last Monday in Chicago, Houston is in the midst of a funk they can’t snap out of. Maybe a trip to the Big Easy will inspire this Rockets team to change their tune on the court.

Rockets in Search of Victory, Battle Mavericks for Final Time

Welcome to 2023.    The Last Go Round.    Identity Seekers.

The Rockets begin 2023 with their final matchup against the Dallas Mavericks this season. This will be the third time Houston’s faced Dallas in the last two weeks. Mavs’ superstar Luka Doncic is continuing his dominant stretch as he’s put Dallas on his shoulders, allowing them to climb up to fourth place in the Western Conference. Luka is playing like the best player in the world, and the league’s MVP at the moment. Doncic dropped another 50-Burger in the Mavs recent close win over the Spurs on Saturday night. Luka scored 51 points, to go along with 9 assists and 6 boards in the Alamo City. Houston has to hope he’s cooled off a bit as the Rockets host the Mavs for the final time this season. Dallas, winners of their last six, is currently the hottest team in the West. And Luka is playing the best basketball of his career.

Last time these teams squared off Doncic had a 35-point triple-double, which seems subpar compared to the 50 points he dropped in these teams’ first matchup in Houston, and the Mavs’ recent victory on Saturday. The Rockets have to pray Luka has a rare off-night, and try to contain him as best as possible. Doncic is showing why he’s an MVP front-runner. No single player in this league can guard him. Houston needs a team effort to even the season series with a win over Dallas tonight.

This is the first game of 2023 for the Rockets, who ended 2022 with a whimper in their 108-88 beatdown by the New York Knicks. Tonight’s game won’t be any easier. The Mavs are the hottest team in the NBA besides the Brooklyn Nets, who have won 11 games in a row. Houston would love to start the new year with a victory over one of the NBA’s hottest teams, and arguably the best player in the world right now. Dallas has struggled to find their identity with Luka as their superstar, not surrounding him with enough talent, but as the moment, Doncic is carrying the Mavs in a MVP-statement over their current winning streak. The Rockets, on the other hand, are in the midst of an identity crisis. Houston is seeking to find an identity on both ends of the court. Who is this team? Other than being one of the league’s best offensive rebounding teams, Houston is a bad defensive team that commits too many turnovers, the two aspects that keep the Rockets from victory, while sinking this team into a losing rut for three seasons running. The squad got off to a hot start in their previous loss on NYE, but after the first quarter, the Rockets disappeared defensively. Can Houston finally put four quarters together to start 2023? The year starts with a tough challenge for these young Rockets. The squad’s seeking to even this season series at two games apiece, as they battle red-hot Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks one more time on Monday night.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (21-16):  Blue

Houston Rockets (10-26):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall Asleep on NYE in 108-88 Loss to Knicks

No Improvement.    A Year of Disappointment.    Seeking Change.

“There’s no improvement,” veteran Rockets guard Eric Gordon said after Houston’s latest lost, a 108-88 beatdown at the hands of the New York Knicks to close out 2022. EG’s frustrations are simply the truth. The Rockets have now lost three straight games, and eight of their last nine overall. They sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, and look destined for a last place finish for the third straight season. Despite finding talent in the draft, Houston hasn’t figured out how to improve on the court. As individuals, the Rockets have improved, but as a team they’ve shown little to no improvement. A lot of the blame falls on Head Coach Stephen Silas, who can’t seem to motivate or discipline the squad at the necessary level. Silas is officially on the hot seat, as many people want to see a coaching change in Houston. Another last place finish this season, and it’s hard to imagine Silas keeping the reigns at Head Coach for more than another year. Unless major improvement is displayed during the second half of this season, and next year as well, the Rockets are playing for a coach who won’t be here much longer.

In the latest disappointment, Houston actually got off to a hot start, outscoring the Knicks by eight points to take a 35-27 lead after the first quarter. Houston managed to score only a combined 53 points for the rest of the game, as the Knicks took full advantage and turned the New Year’s Eve celebration’s into a New York Blowout on Saturday night. Julius Randle fueled the Knicks win, as he scored 35 points and grabbed 12 boards. Immanuel Quickley had one of the best games of his young career, as he dropped 27 points on an invisible Rockets defense. Kevin Porter Jr. led Houston with 23 points, 10 boards, and 8 assists. Jalen Green scored 16 points, and the voice of reason, Eric Gordon, added 12 points in the disappointing loss.

The Rockets now enter 2023 seeking change on the court. They’ve already locked themselves into the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes that will take place next summer. Houston needs to start showing some improvement on the floor. Despite individual boosts this season in certain players’ games, the Rockets as a team haven’t surpassed even the lowest of expectations. Houston’s on pace to finish last in the West for the third straight season. Hopefully 2023 brings better results for a talented, young group that might need a change in guidance.

Rockets Return Home Seeking Win, Host Knicks on NYE

Last Chance.    H-Town’s Ball-Drop.    Victory Finish.    

This New Year’s Eve, the Rockets look to get back on track as they host the New York Knicks back home at Toyota Center. Houston has dropped two straight games after their impressive victory in Chicago on Monday night, and tonight is their last chance for a victory this calendar year. To close out 2022, the Rockets face a Knicks team that’s heading in the wrong direction. After putting together an eight-game winning-streak, New York enters tonights game riding a five-game losing streak. Houston hopes to make that number six tonight with a win to end the calendar year.

The Rockets need to show more resilience than they’ve displayed over the past couple games if they want to beat this Knicks team. Don’t be fooled by the five-game skid, New York is more than capable of beating a young, inexperienced Houston squad  haunted by inconsistency all season long. Knicks’ Head Coach Tom Thibodeau is one of the more established coached in basketball, and he makes sure his team plays hard every night. If the Rockets have a letdown similar to the one we witnessed in Dallas, Houston’s in for another long, disappointing night to end 2022.

However, the Rockets can certainly beat this Knicks team, and add to New York’s losing skid. Houston needs to channel the toughness they displayed in Chicago, and back during their five-game home-winning streak. If the squad can avoid playing from behind, compete at a controlled pace, and tighten up their defense, the Rockets should be able to ring in 2023 with a victory. That’s asking a lot from a Houston team who’s shown only one consistent variable in 2022: inconsistency. The Rockets have put good stretches together, but their poor defense and turnovers usually lead to their demise. As we close 2022, the squad will try to control the ball and toughen up on defense as they face the New York Knicks in the final game before New Year’s.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

New York Knicks (18-18):  Blue

Houston Rockets (10-25):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets End Road-Trip in Disappointing Fashion, Fall 129-114 to Mavericks

Another Letdown.    No Chance.    One More Try.

After beating the Bulls in Chicago to start this road-trip and hanging with the Celtics longer than expected in Boston, the Rockets fell victim to another letdown on Thursday night in Dallas. Houston lost 129-114 to Mavericks in a game that was never really competitive. Luka Doncic had another triple-double for Dallas, leading the Mavs with 35 points, 12 boards, and 13 assists. As in the teams’ previous matchup, the Rockets had no answer for Lukamania on Thursday night. Houston at least made the game competitive at home. The latest matchup resulted in more of a lopsided contest Dallas on Thursday night. The Rockets trailed by six points after the first period, and were outscored in every but the fourth quarter, which was essentially “garbage time” in this game.

Jalen Green led Houston with 23 points, while also adding 4 rebounds and assists apiece. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 17 points and dished out 7 dimes. And Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 points, but the Rockets really never stood a chance in this contest. The defeat gives Houston two straight, at the hands of the Mavs, who have now won five consecutive games. The Rockets are now 1-2 against Dallas this season, with the lone Houston win coming when Luka sat out with an injury. The squad will get one more try against Doncic and the Mavs next Monday in the first game of 2023.

The Rockets have one more game in 2022, as they return home to host the reeling New York Knicks on New Year’s Eve. The Knicks have lost five straight games, setting up a perfect opportunity for Houston to ring in the New Year with a victory. They’ll need a better overall effort than they displayed in Dallas if they want to close 2022 on a positive note, and avoid another letdown.

Rockets Visit Dallas for Third Matchup with Mavs

Red-Hot Luka.    Familiar Faces.    Closing Strong.

The Rockets close their three-game road trip with a visit to play the Dallas Mavericks, in what will be the third matchup between the teams this season, on Thursday night. Houston lost the previous matchup, less than a week ago, as Luka Doncic scored 50 points in the Mavs’ victory. All Luka has done since is record the first 60-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist performance in NBA history, as the Mavs rallied to beat the Knicks in their previous game. Doncic is playing like the best player in the league at the moment. Houston came close in the last contest, only losing by six, but they’ll need an even better effort on the road tonight.

This is the third time the Rockets will be facing the Mavericks this season. Hopefully the familiar faces will allow Houston play better, as they saw these guys only six days ago. Otherwise, the Rockets are in for another tough loss.

After tonight’s game, Houston heads back home to host the New York Knicks on New Year’s Eve. The Rockets would love to close the road-trip with a victory, and it’s going to take a complete team-effort again the smoking-hot Luka Doncic, who’s been single-handedly fueling his team to victories. The Mavs have won four straight games, tied for the longest winning streak in the Conference. If Houston wants to end that streak… they need a solid game from their starting backcourt, an Alperen Sengun appearance, and solid play in clutch time. The Rockets can’t afford to fall behind early tonight.

American Airlines Center:  Dallas, Texas

 

Houston Rockets (10-24):  Black

Dallas Mavericks (19-16):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Overpowered in Second Half, Lose 126-102 to Celtics

Not as Bad as it Looks.    Late Boston Beatdown.    One More to Go.

Houston kept pace with Boston in the first half on Tuesday night. The Rockets only trailed by one point after the first period, and seven at halftime. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough, Houston fell, 126-102, in Boston on Tuesday night. Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown combined to score 77 points, fueling the Celtics to victory. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points on 50% shooting from the field, but Houston couldn’t match Boston’s firepower.

After having arguably the best game of his career, Alperen Sengun failed to score on Tuesday night. He did grab 9 rebounds, but the big man couldn’t find a point in the loss. Regardless, despite the final deficit, this loss wasn’t as bad as the final score makes it appear. Boston is just a really, really good team.

Only one more road game to go on this trip, as the Rockets visit Dallas and the red-hot Luka Doncic’s Mavericks on Thursday night. The Celtics are a better team overall than the Mavs, so Houston’s chances for victory should be greater in Dallas. They’ll have a day of rest, and they’ve played this team twice now, beating them once (albeit, without Doncic). At least the Rockets won’t have to see this Celtics team for a while, as Boston looks like championship contenders.

Rockets Head to Boston, Face Battled-Tested Celtics

Guard Showdown.    Rough Garden.    Part Two.

The Rockets head to Boston on the second night of a back-to-back to face the Celtics, one of the best teams in the league. Boston holds the best record in the NBA at the moment, and are battle-tested, reaching the finals a season ago. They are led by the superstar guard duo of Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown. Tatum is a legitimate MVP candidate. Brown is a bonafide All-Star. They also have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, in Marcus Smart, on their roster. Bottom line, Houston will need a lot of momentum form their previous victory, and some luck, if they want to beat this elite Celtics team.

The TD Garden, home to the C’s, is one of the toughest places to play for opponents in basketball. Their record may be 14-5 at home, which is impressive enough, but Boston’s fans are some of the best and loudest in the NBA. The Rockets have a rough road ahead of them on Tuesday night.

This is the part two of a back-to-back, Houston won in Chicago on Monday. The squad got into Boston very early in the morning, around 2 AM. Hopefully, the team can find some energy, and talent to keep up with one of the best teams in the league. The Rockets need some luck too if they want any chance to pull the upset tonight. 

TD Garden:  Boston, Massachusetts

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-23):  Red

Boston Celtics (24-10):  White

 

Tip-Off:  6:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Thump Bulls, 133-118, to Snap Losing Streak

Road is Where the Heart Is.    Papa Sengun.    Tougher Road Ahead.

No luck (except Papa Sengun) was involved as the Rockets snapped their five-game losing streak with a triumphant 133-118 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Kevin Porter Jr. was spectacular for Houston. KPJ scored 36 points on 14-for-22 shooting, while also contributing 9 assists and 7 rebounds. Aleperen Sengun had arguably the best game of his young career. Sengun finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on the evening. His dad was in attendance, which he said gave him good luck. Here’s to Papa Sengun attending more Rockets games after the team’s performance in Chicago.

Jalen Green added 24 points for the Rockets, who led by ten points after the first period, but trailed by one at halftime. Houston came out ready in the third quarter, outscoring the Bulls 35-24 in the period, and essentially taking control of the game. DeMar DeRozan led Chicago with 31 points.

The Rockets played with more heart on the road. Hopefully, they continue playing with that passion as the schedule toughens up. Coming up, Houston has road games against the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, two tough opponents. And then they return home to host a hot New York Knicks team on New Year’s Eve. The squad needs to continue playing with the effort they displayed in Chicago if they want to win one of their next three games. And in Boston… they’ll need a lot of luck to be the Celtics.