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Rockets Visit Bulls to Begin Three-Game Road Trip

Back on the Road.    Three Game Set.    Change of Scenery.

After spending a few weeks in Houston, the hardened Rockets hit the road and head north to start their post-Christmas stretch of the schedule. Houston begins with a three game road trip that starts in Chicago. The Bulls have won three straight, and are coming off an impressive one-point road victory over the New York Knicks. Houston is currently mired in a five-game losing-streak, that feels more like ten games. The Rockets just completed their longest home-stand of the season, playing their last seven games at home. After winning the first two, Houston has dropped five consecutive contests. Tonight’s matchup against the Bulls is also the first set of a back-to-back for the Rockets. Tomorrow night Houston travels to Boston to battle the team with the NBA’s best record in the Celtics. On Thursday, they head south to Dallas to face Luka and the Mavs once again. So tonight, realistically, is the Rockets’ best chance to get a victory.

Hopefully a change of scenery will provoke some change in Houston’s play on the court. The Rockets went 6-4 in their previous ten games, before losing five in a row. The squad will look to get back on track in the Windy City on Monday night. Chicago is 14-18 on the season, but have won their past three games as they try and develop some consistency and escape their poor start to the season. The Rockets haven’t played a road game since December 8th, in San Antonio. Maybe Houston became too comfortable playing at home, especially with the holidays approaching. Tonight, expect the Rockets to play more as a cohesive unit on the road.

If any good news came to Rockets fans over Christmas, it was a sliver of hope. The potential return of a man who once was the face of the franchise. A grizzled veteran that realized he made the mistake by leaving H-Town. Now older and wiser, is a return realistically a potential in the future. We’ll have to wait for the NBA’s offseason, the wildest in all of sports… to find out if the man with the Beard from up North is ready to make his Hardened return.

United Center:  Chicago, Illinois

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (9-23):  Black

Chicago Bulls (14-18):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall to Mavs, 112-106, as Luka Erupts for 50 Points

Home-Cooked.    Role Reversal.    Weeks to Days.

Houston’s seven-game home-stand, the longest of the season, came to a whimpering close on Friday night, as the Dallas Mavericks staved off the Rockets in the final quarter, dealing Houston a 112-106 loss. The defeat is the Rockets’ fifth consecutive loss, all coming at home. Luka Doncic put on a performance worth every penny, as his 50 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists powered the Mavs past Houston. The Rockets trailed by 11 points at the half, and looked to be on their way to another disappointing loss. Houston didn’t slump out of the break this time. On Friday they did a bit of role-reversal and managed to dominate the third quarter, outscoring Dallas 34-20, taking a three-point edge heading into the fourth period. But Luka scored 17 of his 50 points in the final quarter, as the Mavericks held off any comeback attempts from the Rockets.

Jabari Smith Jr. led Houston with 24 points and 10 boards. Jalen Green scored 23 points, but struggled with his shot, going 6-for-17 from the floor. Alperen Sengun had a well-rounded 19 points, 8 boards, and 7 dimes. Kevin Porter Jr. added 14 points, but the Rockets had no answer for the hot-handed Luka Doncic. The 50 points were only the second time in Luka’s career the young phenom eclipsed the 50-point mark. And sadly for Houston, it probably won’t be the last time they witness a classic Hot-Hand-Luka night. Still only a ripe 23 years young, Luka will be tormenting the Rockets for at least a decade to come.

After winning their first two games of this home-stand, Houston has now lost five straight at Toyota Center. They won’t get another chance to break the home-skid, as the squad heads out for a three-game road trip starting December 26th in Chicago. The Rockets will play the Bulls, then travel to Boston the next night for the second-half of a back-to-back to face the team with NBA’s best record, the Celtics. And then they make a trip down to Dallas to face Luka and these Mavs once again. It’s a tough three-game trip, but hopefully it’ll etch some much-needed toughness out of these slumping Rockets. The effort was better Friday against Dallas compared to other games in this losing streak. However, this young Houston team is still mightily struggling to put four quarters together. They played a solid third quarter, the only period to admire for Rockets fans, as Houston dug themselves a first half hole, and then failed to close in the fourth quarter.

Some good news over the dreary holidays for the Rockets: Head Coach Stephen Silas has said Jae’Sean Tate, who has yet to play all season, is now days, as opposed to weeks, away from a return. This is very good news for a Houston team who is missing their MVP from last season. That’s right, last season was a mess. But there was one constant variable that remained consistent in Houston’s formula: Jae’Sean Tate. The Rockets small-forward is one of the toughest and underrated role players in the entire NBA. Tate’s also an energizer bunny for a first unit that sometimes lacks the requisite passion and motivation to play hard. Once Tate returns, expect the Rockets’ consistency to improve, and these five-game losing streaks to disappear. It’s Houston’s ultimate Christmas present: the return of their Mental-MVP. Tate may not be the most talented Rockets player, but his mental toughness is second-to-none. A trait the rest of his Houston teammates could use… now more than ever.

Rockets in Desperation Mode, Host Luka and the Mavs

Get to Know Them.    Introducing… the Don.    Perfectly Mediocre.

The Rockets close out their seven-game home-stand on Friday night, as they host Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. This is the second matchup between the two squads, as Houston took the first in Dallas, albeit the Mavs were playing sans Luka. “The Don” as he’s known, will make his first appearance in Houston this season, and the Rockets need to be ready to slow his show-stopping abilities on the floor. After faltering through an easier portion of the schedule, Houston closes the year out against tough competition. Three of the Rockets’ next six games are against these Mavericks. And the other three are tough games against Eastern Conference foes. After winning their previous five consecutive home matchups, the Rockets have for straight games at home. Houston will try and snap out of their funk tonight, but it won’t be easy against Luka and the Mavs.

Dallas has been perfectly mediocre all season long, wavering around the .500 mark. Heading into Friday night’s battle, the Mavs are an even 16-16 on there season. The Rockets will try and push them back under .500 tonight. Houston has strangely adopted the habit of playing well against superstar-led or great teams, but faltering against completion that doesn’t gain the attention of casual audience’s wallet. Hopefully a matchup with Luka, who’s always worth every penny, will motivate these Rockets to get back on the winning track. Houston will be without Eric Gordon tonight, who’s out with an injury.  Josh Christopher was recalled from the G-League and is hungry for a chance to show he desveres a spot in the rotation. If the Houston get’s a boost from their bench, don’t be suprised if Christopher is making a lot of game-changing plays on the court. 

Tonight also marks the return of ex-Rocket Christian Wood, who’s making his first appearance back in Houston since being traded in the middle of last season to Dallas. Alperen Sengun gets another chance to square off against his former “big brother” in Houston. Can the Rockets finally show up with the lights shining a little brighter in Toyota Center tonight? The squad has to put four consistent quarters together, a task they’ve failed to complete over the past four games, if they want a chance to upset Dallas tonight. Expect Houston to play with more fire than they’ve displayed recently… and possibly slam the door on their losing streak as the longest home-stand of the season comes to a close.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (16-16):  White

Houston Rockets (9-22):  “City Edition” Blue

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Zone Out in 116-110 Loss to Magic

Sudden Death in Texas.    Zoned Out.    New Low.

For the second straight game Houston couldn’t manage to hold a halftime lead, as they collapsed against the Magic, 116-110, on Wednesday night. Paolo Banchero played like the #1 overall pick in this season’s draft class, and looks like a future bonafide All-Star in this league with superstar potential. Banchero had 23 points and 13 boards to lead the Magic’s second half rally over the Rockets. Houston controlled the first half, entering the break with a ten-point lead. But another terrible third quarter doomed the Rockets, in particularly Orlando’s zone defense. After playing man-to-man the entire first half, the Magic switched to a zone for the remainder of the game around the 8:30 mark of the third quarter. Once the switch came, Houston resorted to dribbling and poor decision-making. The squad initially found KJ Martin via great ball movement for a few dunks to score when the zone was first initiated. For some reason, the Rockets stopped moving the ball and did their best James Harden impression… dribble, dribble, dribbling the clock, and their hopes of a victory away. After switching to a zone, Orlando outscored Houston 54-33 for the remainder of the second half, en route to their six-point victory. Besides Banchero’s impressive play, Franz Wagner’s 25 points ensured the Rockets wouldn’t break the losing streak on this night.

Kevin Porter Jr. had his best game of the season, registering 31 points, 6 boards, and 5 assists. But other than Scoot, the Rockets didn’t have much juice in the second half, as they suffered another collapse against an inferior opponent. Jalen Green scored 21 points and had a career-high 8 rebounds, but when the game was on the line, the Rockets young All-Star couldn’t step up to the moment. KJ Martin continued his steadily solid play, scoring 18 points for Houston. Alperen Sengun garnered another double-double with 13 points and 12 boards, but as a team, the Rockets were dominated in the second half. Orlando’s zone defense literally zoned Houston out of their offensive strengths, and allowed the Magic to rally for a comeback win. Back in the first matchup with Orlando, the Rockets scored 9 points on 4 possessions when the Magic went to a zone. On Wednesday night, Houston scored only 20 points on a whopping 29 zone possessions by Orlando. And initially, with ball movement, they were able to conquer the zone, but they resorted to perimeter Harden-ing, which resulted in a frustrating loss. Coaching has to come into question in a game like this. Stephen Silas has a challenging job managing these young players, but Wednesday night was certainly not his finest hour on the bench. If hottest rumors start to emerge for Silas, look back to this game for evidence why some people believe he’s not the right head coach for this young squad.

So what’s happened to these Rockets? Sudden death in Texas? It feels like the squad’s reached new lows after this latest loss. Stephen Silas mentioned it could be the “dog days” on the NBA season, but the true “dog days” of this league lie in January and February, amidst the approach of All-Star break. Houston is a little early to be feeling the “dog days” of this league, especially for such a young team. After winning five straight home games, the Rockets have now lost four consecutive contests at Toyota Center. They’ve plummeted back to the bottom of the West, with a firm grip on last place. Up next, Houston plays their final home game of this seven game stretch, which started out so promising with a couple of impressive wins before the four straight losses. The opponent this time? Another team with a headline-worthy player in the Mavericks and Luka Doncic. The lights are always a little brighter when the superstars hit the stage. For some reason, this young Rockets team has the tendency to rise to the occasion, and play the upset role when facing superstar-led teams. Against worse competition, Houston seems to throw in the white flag, or run out of energy way before the 48 minutes of playing time are up. Hopefully a matchup against one of the league’s MVP-candidates will rejuvenate these Rockets… and give them the Magic they need to finally secure a win to close out this home-stand, and end this current skid of misery.

    

Rockets Seek to Halt Skid, Magic Visit H-Town

Second Calling.    Repeat Green.    Same Results.

For the second time this season, the Rockets square off against this year’s first overall pick, Paolo Banchero, and the Orlando Magic. Houston won the first meeting between the teams this season, back in Orlando on November 7th. That game saw Jalen Green score a career-high 34 points, and the Rockets snap a six game losing streak with a 134-127 win over the Magic. Houston’s seeking similar results tonight, as they enter this game riding a three-game losing streak at home. Hopefully the Rockets will play with more confidence against a team they’ve already defeated this season.

Jalen Green’s been quiet during this losing streak. Houston needs their superstar to break out of his sophomore slump if the Rockets want to end this skid anytime soon. Green scored only 13 points in previous loss to San Antonio. The squad needs a lot more from their stellar sophomore if they want to sweep the season-series with Orlando. Green went-off for a career-high 34 points in the first matchup between these squads. The squad needs a repeat performance tonight to garner a victory. This is the penultimate game of Houston’s current 7-game home-stand. They’ll cap the festivities off at Toyota Center on Friday night when Luka Doncic and the Mavs come to town.

For now, the Rockets are staring straight in the face of another game they should win. Despite the Orlando’s improved play of late, winning 6 of their previous 9 games, Houston still has the necessary talent and home court edge to beat a team of the Magic’s calibers. Will Houston manage to avoid these second-half breakdowns that have poisoned them during this losing streak? Or will they be susceptible to another collapse? This is the Rockets best chance at victory schedule-wise for a long stretch, as the schedule gets increasingly difficult to end the year. And January is no piece of cake for Houston, as they face a brutal upcoming winter. It’s time for the Rockets to conjure up some magic on the court tonight, and put this losing streak to an end.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Orlando Magic (11-21):  White

Houston Rockets (9-21):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Crumble in Second Half, Fall to Spurs, 124-105

Dog Days.    Bench Disparities.    The Torrid Third.

After facing a seven point deficit after the first period, the Rockets stormed back in the second quarter to take a two-point edge heading into halftime. However, Houston was undone by another torrid third quarter, as they were outscored by San Antonio 32-14 in the period. The Rockets never got much closer than the 16 point deficit they faced entering the fourth, en route to another disappointing loss, 124-105, to the Spurs on Monday night. San Antonio didn’t even have their best player, Keldon Johnson, who lit Houston up for more than 30 points in the first matchup between these squads in the Alamo City. The Rockets couldn’t take advantage of the friendly confines of Toyota Center, as they were easily outmanned for the third straight time at home. This all comes after Houston won their previous five matchups at home. Right now, this squad looks out of sorts. As Stephen Silas said in his post-game presser, we’ve reached the “dog days” of the NBA season, where tired legs start to emerge and the big picture of this long 82-game season truly grasps the attention of the league’s younger players. The Rockets are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, and maybe they’ve hit a wall. After playing so well, they’ve seemed to be stuck in a fog, against inferior completion compared to the teams they beat during their home-winning streak.

Houston’s latest disappointment stems from a lack of bench production, and another horrible third quarter. Five bench players for San Antonio scored in double figures, as the Spurs reserves combined to drop 62 points on the Rockets, outscoring Houston’s bench by 21 points. That’s too many points from reserves for a team that’s near the bottom of the standings. Houston’s defense has been nonexistent lately. They gave up 124 points to the Spurs, and they were outscored 64-43 in the second half. The Rockets seem to be running out of gas over the past few games as we reach the finish line. Houston had a halftime lead against the Spurs, before scoring only a meager 14 points in the third quarter to start the second half, the same amount they scored in the third period in their previous loss to the Portland. These performances coming out of the half will only put the Rockets in a position to lose on a nightly basis. Houston needs to quit this habit, before they become the front-runner for the worst record in the NBA.

The Rockets were outmanned by a balanced Spurs attack, despite lacking Keldon Johnson. Devin Vassell led San Antonio with 26 points, and the Spurs had seven players total score in double-figures. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 22 points. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. both had subpar nights, scoring 13 and 15 points respectively, on a combined 9-for-28 shooting. This kind of performance from the Rockets backcourt will only result in losses for the squad, as Green and KPJ are two of Houston’s most important players. Jabari Smith Jr. couldn’t find the rim either, scoring only 9 points on 4-of-14 shooting. The rookie did grab 8 boards, but the Rockets are struggling mightily on both ends of the floor during this recent losing streak. They’ll try and get back on the winning track on Wednesday night as Orlando comes to town… Houston will try and steal some of that magic to find a win, and break this current home-skid. 

Rockets Aiming for Payback as Spurs Come to Town

Bottom Feeder Battle.    Payback Time.    Intensity Adjustment.

The Rockets play their fifth straight home game on Monday night, as they host their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs. This is a battle of the the bottom feeders in the Western Conference. The Rockets and Spurs are tied for the worst record in the conference. Houston is looking for revenge after the Spurs won the first meeting in the Alamo City, back on December 8th. Keldon Johnson had a career night for the Spurs in that contest, and the Rockets will have to do a better job containing him defensively if they want any chance to snap their own two-game skid.

After winning the first two games of this seven game home-stand in impressive fashion over the Bucks and Suns, Houston has lost the past two contests unimpressively. The Rockets are aiming to get back on track tonight, and they have a great chance against a very beatable Spurs team.

Houston also has another opportunity to blow another game they should win, if they don’t come out with the proper intensity. The squad needs an intensity adjustment, a jolt of sorts, from tip-off, and they need to sustain this for four quarters. San Antonio may be at the bottom of the standings, but as long as Gregg Popovich is at the helm, the Spurs will play hard every night.

The Rockets have to overlook their opponent’s record, and be prepared to play as hard as San Antonio, or Houston’s in for another disappointing loss. The Rockets should be tired of losing the past two games, and have the talent to beat this Spurs team… will their intensity overpower San Antonio’s? Find out on Monday night, in what should be at the very least, a close and competitive contest down the stretch… the I-45 Rivalry is back in action tonight in Houston.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

San Antonio Spurs (9-20):  White

Houston Rockets (9-20):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Struggle From Distance in 107-95 Loss to Blazers

Same Oregon Story.    Missing Range.    Third Quarter Woes.    

It was the same old story as when these teams first met this season, back in Oregon in late October. The Rockets lost to the Blazers by double-digits, 107-95, on Saturday night, with Anfernee Simons once again leading Portland in scoring with 32 points. Damian Lillard added 25 points and 10 assists, as Houston’s backcourt was outplayed on Saturday night. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. combined for only 28 points, as the Rockets lost their second straight contest after winning the first two games to start this season’s longest home-stand. Green led the Rockets with 15 points, no one else managed to reach the 15-point mark on Houston’s squad.

This was the Rockets worst three-point shooting performance of the entire season thus far. Houston was 3-for-29 beyond the arc, good for a horrible 10.3%. In this day-and-age where the long range shot rules the NBA, it’s tough to win in this league when the shots from distance aren’t falling. After a horrible third quarter, the Rockets mounted somewhat of a comeback in the fourth, but it was too little too late, as they never really threatened the Blazers in the final period.

Houston managed only 14 points in the third period, as Portland doubled up the Rockets by scoring 28 points in the quarter. Houston only trailed by six points at halftime, but after a dismal third period, the Rockets had dug themselves too deep a hole. Houston trailed by 20 entering the final quarter, and just match the Blazers intensity throughout the game on Saturday night. Up next, the Rockets will aim to avoid reliving the story of another loss as they host the San Antonio Spurs, in what will be a battle of last place teams in the Western Conference.

Rockets Look to Rebound Against Blazers on Saturday Night

Pass the Time.    Exiting the Gates.    Fresher Legs.

After arguably their most frustrating loss of the season, a 111-108 hosed defeat by the refs, that allowed Miami to escape with the win on Thursday night, Houston hopes to rebound as they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. The Blazers are coming off a loss last night to the Mavericks, but Portland has won five of their last seven games overall. They beat Houston in these teams first matchup, 125-111, back on October 28th in Portland. The Rockets are aiming for a different result tonight. If they want to get back on the winning track, Houston has to contain Damian Lillard. Tyler Herro exploded for 41 points in the Rockets’ previous loss. The squad can’t afford to let Dame turn the end of the game into “Dame Time.” Lillard’s had a long history of playing well against Houston, including ending their season in 2016. The Rockets need to force him to pass the ball, and make someone else beat them. Portland acquired Jerami Grant in the offseason, and he’s been their second best-player all season. These two will be the focus of Houston’s defense. If the Blazers lethal duo is able to get what they desire, the Rockets are in trouble. The squad needs to stop these two attacking perimeter players who are also lethal shooters. It’s easier said than done, but Jalen Green and co. are up to the task.

Houston needs to come out of the gates with more energy. The Rockets have had problems over the last few games getting off to slow starts, and keeping a consistent first half together. The squad doesn’t waver when faced with a deficit, but it’s hard when you’re playing from behind every game. Over the long run, this comeback style of basketball will drain Houston’s energy. The Rockets need to be ready to go from the opening tip tonight.

The Blazers lost last night in Dallas, while Houston had the night off. The Rockets should have the fresher legs tonight, and with the energy of the home crowd, should be able to have enough talent to beat this Portland team tonight. If Houston starts the game like they played in the second half against Miami, they should win tonight. However, if the Rockets come out of the gates slow once again, they’ll face a tough task in coming back against the Blazers, and beating Dame and Portland in clutch time. Lillard loves playing against Houston… it’s time the Rockets changed his mood towards playing in Houston, by dealing the Blazers a frustrating loss. Expect another thriller at Toyota Center with these former “rivals” squaring off, as the Rockets’ home stand continues on Saturday night.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Portland Trail Blazers (16-13):  Black

Houston Rockets (9-19):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall to Heat, 111-108, as Herro’s 41 Points, Refs, Help End Home Streak

Herro Ball.    Proper Hosing.    Game of Runs.

The Rockets did everything they did to mount a comeback on Thursday night. They ultimately fell short, as the Heat prevailed, 111-108, ending Houston’s two-game win streak and stopping their run of five consecutive wins at home. Tyler Herro was on fire for the second night in a row, After scoring 35 points the previous night, Herro scored a career-high 41 points, on 10-for-15 shooting from beyond the arc.  He became the first player in NBA history to make 9 or more three’s on consecutive nights. This was a rare occasion, but Houston had the chance to double him, and force someone else to beat them, but they allowed Tyler to play Herro ball all night long. Jimmy Butler chipped in 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists for Miami, but the Heat won this game because of Herro’s historic night. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 22 points, but was only 1-for-6 from long range. Kevin Porter Jr. added 21 points on a season-high 10 made shots. Jabari Smith Jr. had another double-double, with 15 points and 11 boards. And the Rockets had six guys in double-figures scoring, but they still couldn’t prevail against Miami. Alperen Sengun turned an ankle late in the second half, and Usman Garuba came in with some inspired minutes. Sengun is listed as probable for Houston’s next game, so the injury didn’t appear to be anything serious. Rookie Tyty Washington also saw the first meaningful minutes of his NBA career, registering 2 points, 5 dimes, and 3 boards in 12 minutes of action.

However, Houston did get properly hosed by the refs in arguably the worst officiated game the Rockets have participated in all season. After a switch on defense, Usman Garuba found himself guarding the game’s hottest player in Herro. Garuba played passionate, inspired defense on Herro. He tapped the ball away from Herro as Garuba moved his feet and stayed in front of the quicker guard. However, the refs called a foul on Garuba, forcing Stephen Silas to use his challenge. After reviewing the call, the officials realized they made the wrong call, and the call was reversed. However, this put Houston and Silas out of challenges for the remainder of the game. And the really could’ve used one in the final seconds. With 2 seconds remaining in the game, Usman Garuba forced the ball out of bounds off of a Miami Heat player. The call, however, was deemed non-reviewable, despite the replays playing on the big screen in Toyota Center clearly showing it should’ve been Rockets ball. Miami was given the ball, and simply ran the clock out, as Houston didn’t get another chance.

The Rockets had chances to avoid being hosed late in the contest, as this was a game of runs. After an even first quarter that saw the game tied at 29, the Heat took a 14 point lead into the break after ending the half on a 22-9 run. Houston countered by ending the third quarter on a 15-4 run, and cutting the deficit to one entering the final period. The Rockets even took the lead at one point, but too much Herro ball and poor officiating eventually doomed Houston’s chances, and put an end to their two-game winning streak. Up next, the Rockets will try and rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. They’ve now played 3 games out of this seven game home stand. Houston is 2-1 during this stretch… they’ll try and comeback stronger against Portland and improve that mark to 3-1 on Saturday night.