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Rockets Face Pelicans in the Big Easy to End Road Trip

Final Stop.    Mount Zion.    Battle for Wembanyama.   

Jalen Green and the Rockets close out their four-game road trip tonight with a matchup against Zion Williamson and the upstart New Orleans Pelicans. Houston’s coming off one of their better performances of the season in Toronto, a 116-109 loss in a tight, completive game. Despite the losing effort, the Rockets’ played with more effort than in recent games in this latest loss, almost rallying for a comeback victory. Regardless the result, Houston’s coming off a moral victory in Toronto as they enter the Big Easy looking for a smooth votary to close out what’s been a brutal road stretch for the Rockets. Saturday night’s showdown in New Orleans is Houston’s 8th road game in their last 9 games. Following tonight’s game, the Rockets head back to Texas for two weeks, with a minor pit-stop in Dallas briefly interrupting a much-needed Home-Stand for Houston. Hopefully returning home, combined with a more favorable schedule, will allow the Rockets to pile more than a couple more wins during this upcoming home-stretch.

After another injury-riddled season last year, the face of the Pelicans’ franchise, Zion Williamson, is back at full strength this season. His defense has been questionable at times, but that will improve with work ethic and determination. This season, Zion is averaging 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists a night. New Orleans is coming off a loss to the surprisingly hot Portland Trail Blazers, 106-95, in their previous contest, where Zion Williamson scored 29 points on an impressively efficient 9-for-14 shooting effort. Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason’s hands will be fuller than Thanksgiving Dinner trying to contain Williamson. Zion is by is a dominant force in the paint, and look for the Duke-phenom to exploit Houston’s lack of strength in the paint. Sengun should put Zion in the spin-cycle on the offensive end for the Rockets, but he’s going to need assistance on defense against one of the NBA’s most explosive athletes.

However, the key to tonight’s game is stopping Jonas Valanciunas. New Orleans’ other big man has dominated the Rockets over his career. Expect the veteran to possibly even outshine Zion tonight. If Houston’s game-plan is centered on controlling Zion Williamson, then the Rockets are in trouble. Valanciunas will likely get the opportunities he salivates at when he gets to utilize his massive frame to overpower   Houston in the paint, which he’s seemingly done from his entire career. In order for Houston to upset the Pelicans in the Big Easy, they have to control the ball, avoid costly turnovers, and limit Zion Williamson’s transitional opportunities. C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram are All-Star-caliber players on the perimeter for the Pelicans. If controlling Zion wasn’t enough of a headache, these two slashers are off to great starts to their respective seasons, and if they’re on their game, Houston’s in trouble tonight. Jae’Sean Tate and Bruno Fernando remain out for tonight for the Rockets, therefore providing further chances for the likes of KJ Martin, Eason, Garrison Mathews, and Josh Christopher. After playing limited minutes to start the season, Christopher hasn’t played in the last three games for Houston. Tonight’s a prefect night for Stephen Silas to instill more trust in Christopher by giving him an uptick in minutes.

Believe it or not, but tonight’s a mini-battle in the Salivating Stakes for Victor Wembanyama. Due to past trades, the Pelicans own the Lakers pick if they finish in with one of worst 5 record this season. As of now, L.A. is tied with the Rockets for the worst record in the NBA, at 2-10. And according to the most recent predictions, the Rockets and Pelicans currently have the best chance to land the most hyped player since LeBron James, in France’s Wembanyama. It’s still early to go in the season, but after a dozen games, Houston’s still figuring out the rebuilding process, and will likely be one of the favorites to land the French phenom. It would be a long shot, and it’s out of New Orlean’s control. If the Lakers continue to mightily struggle, the Pelicans could sneakily be in the Wembanyama Stakes as well. For now, both the Rockets are Pelicans are two of the league’s best offensive rebounding teams. Whoever crashes the glass with more intensity should win tonight’s game, unless Mount Zion moves mountains, and keeps the Smoothie King Center rocking… which poses a potential long climb to victory for the Rockets. Regardless, strap up, we should be in for an exciting battle tonight in New Orleans. 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-10):  Red

New Orleans Pelicans (6-6):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall Short in Crunch Time, Lose 116-109 to Raptors

Second-Winded.    Failure to Close.    Pawn’s Disease.

Houston strolled into Toronto sporting a newly minted win streak after ending their previous skid in Orlando on Monday night. And for a decent portion of Wednesday night’s battle, the Rockets appeared poised to notch their second consecutive win, a feat the squad’s yet to accomplish this season. After securing an 8-point edge after a blazing 37 points in the first quarter, the squad mustered only 17 points in the second frame, allowing the Raptors to outscore Houston by 11 points in the quarter, and take the halftime lead.

Despite trailing by as many as a dozen points in the second half, the Rockets fought back to tie the game at 86 early in the crucial fourth period. However, that’s the closest Houston would get to tasting victory. Turnovers, poor crunch-time execution, and too much Fred VanVleet allowed the Raptors to fend off Houston, dealing the Rockets a 116-109 loss. VanVleet led Toronto with 32 points, while OG Anunoby scored 29 points and dominated the paint for the dinos. Jalen Green led all Houston players with 21 points, but it was the Tari Eason late in the game on Wednesday night. Eason had his best game of his young career. The 17th pick in this year’s draft class was an energetic force for the Rockets, especially on defense and the offensive glass. The rookie contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on the evening. Jabari Smith Jr. secured a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 boards. Smith Jr. shot the ball more efficiently than in recent games, and committed only one turnover.

Stringing wins together. It’s been the unsolved case throughout the Stephen Silas era entering his third season as the Rockets head coach. Houston has struggled mightily to win consecutive games. I don’t remember the last time the Rockets recorded back-to-back victories. Is it some form of King’s Disease? Or more appropriately, Pawn’s Disease? As these Rockets have a long way to go to be considered the “Kings” of the NBA. Wins are always exciting, but a team with Houston’s youth and caliber needs to avoid feeling too proud after every victory. The Rockets committed 16 turnovers in Toronto, resulting in 31 fast break points for the Raptors. Toronto had 3 less turnovers, but only gave up nearly half (16) as many points in transition. The Raptors are simply a more experienced and talented team than Houston at the moment. The Rockets naturally let their guard down after victories, because wins have been few and far between over the last three years. It’s essential for the Rockets to find that seemingly elusive cure for Pawn’s Disease… if they want to develop a consistent winner’s mentality on a nightly basis.

Rockets Head North for Tilt with Raptors

The String Problem.    Green Measuring Stick.    Jabari’s Due.

Fresh off their first road win, the Rockets aim for two straight W’s as they head north to Canada for a matchup with the Toronto Raptors. Toronto is 6-5 on the season, coming off a loss to the Chicago Bulls in their previous game. Houston has a chance to steal one in Toronto if they play with the energy they displayed in their victory Monday night over the Magic in Orlando. The Rockets had trouble winning consecutive games last year, and they’ve yet to string two victories together this season. They’ll need to snap out of this “winners hangover” that’s seemed to significantly alter Houston’s performance in games when they’re coming off a victory. This mental barrier goes back three seasons. In the Stephen Silas era overall, the Rockets have rarely won consecutive games, or had any sort of winning streak. Houston aims to buck that trend tonight with an upset in Toronto.

Jalen Green’s coming off his best game of the season, where he scored 34 points in Orlando to lead the Rockets to victory over the Magic. Green out-dueled the first overall pick, Paolo Banchero, who scored 30 points for Orlando. He’ll have a more accurate measuring stick in tonight’s contest when he squares up against Toronto’s Scottie Barnes. The Raptors took Barnes with the fourth pick the same draft class where Houston chose Jalen Green with the second overall pick. Barnes won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award last season, and made an immediate impact for Toronto, compared to Green, who finished strong after fighting through a slow start to his career. Look for Green to be aggressive tonight, as he tries to lead the Rockets to their second straight win.

Houston’s first pick, and third overall, in this past draft, Jabari Smith Jr., is off to an underwhelming start. Smith Jr. had a solid debut performance, scoring 21 points in Atlanta, but he’s struggled mightily with his jumper since. Tonight would be the perfect time for a breakout performance from the rookie. The Rockets will need more help for Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, and the rest of the squad. It’s time for Jabari to show Houston they made the right choice in taking him with the third pick. Now… he needs to begin to display his superstar potential.

Scotiabank Arena:  Toronto, Canada

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-9):  White

Toronto Raptors (6-5):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  6:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fend-Off Magic, 134-127, for Season’s Second Win

Three Line’s the Charm.    Super Young Super-Trio.    The Mart’s Still Open.

After leading by a dozen points after the first three frames, the Rockets staved off an almost-magical Orlando rally, beating the Magic, 134-127, on Monday night at Amway Center. The victory his Houston’s first road win all of the season, and second overall, as the squad climbs to 2-9 in the standings. The Rockets were on fire from  three-point land. Houston connected on 24 of their 48 shots from deep, for an impressive 50%. Orlando didn’t struggle from beyond the arc, they shot 48%, but attempted only less than half from long range, compared to the Rockets.

Paolo Banchero, the first overall pick in this past year’s draft, showed the Rockets an impressive display as he continues to exceed the hype. If there was one negative outcome to take from this game from Houston’s side, it’s that the Magic were able to draft Banchero before the Rockets. In his first 11 games, Banchero is putting up historic numbers, He started his career with five consecutive 30-point games, and had another one against Houston on Monday night. Banchero finished with 30 points on 50% shooting, to go along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. But his efforts weren’t enough, as the Rockets had their own superstar in the making finally snap out of his slump.

Houston’s Jalen Green had been struggling mightily with his shot over the past few games. That changed Monday night. Green out-dueled Banchero in the battle of rising stars in this league, finishing with 34 points on a phenomenal 12-for-18 shooting performance. One only hopes this is the beginning of Green’s more efficient play, for it’s the key to him having a true breakout-season. As rookie Jabari Smith Jr. continues to adjust to the physicality and pace of the NBA game compared to college basketball, the Rockets might have found their own “Big’Three”, in Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun.

A very young super-trio indeed.  If Houston can manage to keep this core intact, the future’s bright for the Rockets. Green’s off to a fantastic sophomore season, but KPJ’s poise and control on the court has been a marvel to witness. During Monday night’s win, Porter Jr. finished with 17 points on 50% shooting. Scoot also registered 11 dimes and grabbed 8 boards, second-most behind Sengun. We’re still early in the season, but KPJ looks like he’s in control of his tricks more than ever before. From his decision-making, shooting, passing, and court awareness… his improvement so far has been night-and-day compared to last year. And then there’s Alperen Sengun, who’s more than earned his spot as Houston’s starting center. If Stephen Silas continues to bring him off the bench once Bruno Fernando returns from injury, the coach will officially be on the hot seat. In Orlando, Sengun posted another double-double, with 20 points and 10 boards. The big man also had dished out 4 assists, and had 2 steals and 1 block for good measure.

Very quietly, K.J. Martin, is having a very solid start to the season. Martin will be a free agent in the offseason, and he’s already voiced his displeasure about Silas’ rotations and coaching style to a VERY CLOSE source. Besides Eric Gordon’s 19 points, KJ was another young gun who had a solid game for Houston in their win over the Magic. Martin compiled 21 points on an insanely efficient 8-for-14 from the floor. KJ even drained four of his eight three-point shots, and had 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 more phenomenal blocks. If you’ve been watching Martin, they usually come on a nightly basis. If KJ’s not the best shot blocker under 6’8 in the NBA, he’s near the top of the list. Over his last four games, which began on Halloween, Martin is averaging 21.0 points a games, and integrating himself more off both ends of the floor. Hopefully, he’ll see more playing time, because when he’s on the court, the Rockets performance is elevated… literally. Up next, Houston will try and upset a tough Raptors team, as they fly to Canada to battle Toronto on Wednesday night.

Rockets Visit Magic, Seeking to End Skid

The Imposter.    Legit Chance.    Magical Touch.

The Houston Rockets travel to Orlando, home of Disney World, the “happiest place on Earth, to take on the Magic. Tonight’s contest is a battle of teams who sit at the bottom of their respective conferences. This game was slated to be a matchup between two of the top three picks in this year’s past draft, but Jabari Smith Jr. is injured for Houston, and won’t suit up for tonight’s tilt. The Magic are off to a 2-8 start, but they all’s not bad in Orlando. They drafted the guy the Rockets really needed, in my opinion, and the best rookie, in Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick. Bacnhero has exceed the hype since the season began. He’s already topped the 30-point mark in multiple games, and continues to show signs of s superstar in the making. Alperen Sengun and the Rockets will have their hands full trying to contain the young, spry Banchero on the floor.

Tonight, Houston is trying to snap a six-game losing streak. No offense to Orlando, but the Rockets are in about as best a spot as they could be in this situation. Only 4 out of the NBA’s 30 teams have less than 3 wins, and that includes the Magic, and also the Rockets. In other words, after a brutal start to the schedule, Houston has a legitimate chance to steal a victory in Orlando tonight. It still won’t be easy, as every NBA team has professionals fighting for playing time, roster spots, etc. However, if Houston can gather a mindset comparable to facing a champion, they should out-hustle the Magic in this game. Both teams are young, but the Rockets hold the slight edge in that category, and expect a lot of transition basketball in Orlando on Monday night. Whoever wins the battle on transition is the key to tonight’s game.

Speaking of transitions, the Rockets counterparts in their hometown, the Houston Astros, are fresh off winning their second World Series title, beating the Philadelphia Phillies to win the championship on Saturday night. Hopefully, the Rockets can gain some inspiration from the energy the Astros have brought the city during their dynastic run over these past six years. And maybe, just maybe, they can muster enough championship-caliber effort to snag that elusive second of win the season… and make Houston an even happier sports town as the city continues to be rampant with Astros fever,

Amway Center:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-9):  Red

Orlando Magic (2-8):  Magic

 

Tip-Off:  6:15 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Sloppy Second Quarter Dooms Rockets in 129-117 Loss to Wolves

Second Seizures.    Turkish Takeover.    Rough Road Travelled.

Houston trailed by only six points after the first quarter Saturday night. Unfortunately, a dismal second quarter put the Rockets away for good, as the Wolves dominated the game en route to dealing Houston a 129-117 defeat. The Rockets have now lost six consecutive games. They’ll have their best chance to break the streak when they travel to Orlando to face the subpar Magic on Monday night.

If there’s been one constant to start this season, it’s the play of Alperen Sengun. Whether Sengun comes off the bench, starts, or gets less than 20 minutes, he’s always extremely efficient and effective on the floor. Coach Stephen Silas needs to officially declare Sengun as their starting center. He’s only 20, and has poise beyond his years. Jalen Green will be a superstar in this league one day, but it’s not a stretch to say, at this current moment in time, Sengun is Houston’s best offensive player. Al-P finished with 17 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists, registering another efficient evening in the books. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 21 points, but the sophomore stud is still tinkering with his stroke, searching to regain his shooting rhythm.

It’s been a rough road for Houston to begin the season. Only 3 of the Rockets’ first ten games have been at Toyota Center. And the 7 road games have been against playoff-caliber competition. Up next, Houston travels to Orlando, the worst teams in Eastern conference record-wise. It’s also the first time Houston will get to see the player they wanted to draft: Paolo Banchero. Hopefully, the Rockets can end the skid, and slow Banchero, who at the moment is the clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year. Houston’s back at it on the 7th of this month, as they try to avoid a dreaded 7-game losing streak.

Road-Trippin’:  Rockets Head North for Slugfest with Timberwolves

One for the Road.    New Twin Towers.    The Ten Cap.

After finally returning to Houston on Wednesday night, which resulted in a 109-101 loss to the Clippers, the Rockets head back out on the road again for another four-game road trip. First, Houston visits Minneapolis to take on the young, talented Timberwolves. Minnesota is off to a slower start than anticipated due to all the young talent on their roster. Anthony Edwards is evolving into a true superstar with each passing game. De’Angelo Russell is still an All-Star Caliber player at point guard, although the Wolves are trying to pile the blame on their playmaker for Minnesota’s slow start. Karl-Anthony Towns is still a dominant force inside, and if the Wolves want to make the next step, he’s going to have to live up to his potential when he was selected first overall, back in the 2015 NBA Draft. The Rockets have their hands full tonight, and we’re not even addressing the biggest issue.

Minnesota made a big move in the offseason, especially for a Houston frontline that will be undermanned. The Wolves acquired shot-blocking sensation Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz. Gobert is arguably the league’s best shot-blocker and rim protector. And with all the division battles between his time in Utah and Houston, Gobert has been a thorn in Houston’s side since he’s been in the league. Hopefully Alperen Sengun can repeat his spectacular performance from Wednesday, when he scored 26 points and grabbed 13 boards. Houston will need all the help they can get against a more talented and experience Minnesota squad.

Tonight marks the tenth game of the season for the Rockets. It’s still early in the season, as we are now nearing the halfway mark of the first quarter. Soon, it won’t be so early in the season anymore. Houston will need to show improvement in their next ten games, and they should, as the schedule is far easier than what they’ve battled though to start this year’s campaign. But before those next ten games start, maybe, just maybe… the Rockets can finally steal their first road victory of the season.

Target Center:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-8):  White

Minnesota Timberwolves (4-5):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Deja Blues:  Rockets Drop 5th Straight in 109-101 Loss to Clippers

Regular Season-P.    9 Lives.    Packing Up.

It was just another night at the office for Paul George, as his 28 points dealt the Rockets a 109-101 loss at Toyota Center on Wednesday night. PG13 channeled a little bit of his Playoff-P persona over his latest blows to the Rockets. He almost single-handedly swept this mini two-game series against Houston. PG13 had the go-ahead bucket, and was the driving force in L.A.’s latest win over Houston. The Rockets spoiled Apleren Sengun’s best game of the season. Sengun finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds, adding more pressure on coach Stephen Silas to finally give Al-P the starting nod at Center, permanently. He is, as every Houston fan knows, the team’s Center of the future. At age 20, the Turkish phenom can’t even legally drink alcohol in this country. Barring injury setbacks, Sengun has a very promising, bright future ahead in his career that should begin to blossom as the season moves on.  Jalen Green re-discovered his shooting stroke, knocking down 9-for-17 shots for 22 en route to 22 points for the night.

It’s still early in the season, but after 9 games, the Rockets officially have the worst record once again in the NBA, at 1-9. They’re the only team who’s won only once this season. However, there’s still a long way to go in the regular season. Houston still has 73 games on the slate, and with the first 9 games being mainly against brutally tough opposition, expect the Rockets to start winning more games once they play teams that don’t have playoff expectations this year.

Well, that was short pit stop at home for Houston. The Rockets will head back on the road for four more games, starting Saturday night in Minneapolis against a young, talented Timberwolves team. Houston’s had a rare two days off since their last contest. Hopefully, that extra day of rest might result in better nights at the office for Jalen Green and company as they get set to hit the road again.

Rockets Meet Clippers for Rematch in Houston

Part 2.    Restricted.    Pit Stop.

After a rough October that saw Houston compile only one victory, the Rockets play their first November game on Wednesday night. Houston hosts the Clippers in a rematch from their close battle that went the Clips way in L.A. on Monday night. The Rockets will be looking for a different result in part 2 of this series. Jalen Green’s been struggling with his shot during this four-game skid. Houston will need their young up-and-coming star to find his stroke if they want to snag their second win of the season tonight.

Wednesday night’s matchup has several keys, none of which are more vital than restricting Paul George. PG13 killed the Rockets late with his game-winning jumper on Monday. Houston needs a Rated R (Rocket-Red) performance tonight on the court if they want to end their losing streak. After scoring only 13 points in Monday’s game, Kevin Porter Jr. needs a bounce-back November performance for the Rockets to scoot by the Clips tonight.

This matchup is only a pit stop for the Rockets during this road-heavy stretch in the schedule. Houston has played the last four games on the road, and then after tonight, they’ll play four more on the road again before returning home to host, yes, these same Clippers, on November 14th. For now, Houston needs to focus on the friendly confines of the Toyota Center and being back home for a short period. Some home-cookin’ might be just what the Rockets need. After all, the last time they played in Houston… the Rockets won their first game of the season. They’ll look to double down on that mark as the squad kicks off what hopes to be a promising November.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (3-4):  Blue

Houston Rockets (1-7):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Falter Late in 95-93 Loss to Clippers

Wing-Clipped.    Clear the Airways.    The Dreaded Close.

Somewhere, far, far from home, Los Angeles, specifically… Houston held a 93-88 lead with under two minutes remaining in the game. Unfortunately, the Rockets wouldn’t score again, as Houston went scoreless in the final minute, and a Paul George-fueled rally sealed the Clippers’ 95-93 win over the Rockets. Eric Gordon played great defense on Paul George, but PG13 hit a tough fadeaway jumper to put the Clips up for good. Gordon drove to his left and missed a layup to tie the game at the buzzer. Nonetheless, this was a game that felt like it had Rockets Victory written all over it. After trailing by seven points after one period, Houston stormed back to take a halftime lead, and continued to lead by three points entering the final quarter. And they play four of these quarters for a reason. Monday night’s fourth quarter was particularly spooky for the Rockets, as they only managed 17 points in the game’s final frame. Nonetheless, it was exciting to Houston in a close contest, as their last few games had been largely uncontested.

Clear the airways ladies and gentlemen… Kenyon Martin Jr. has taken flight. KJ had his best game of the season, leading the Rockets with 23 points, including some of his signature spectacular dunks. Martin also grabbed six rebounds, as he looks to earn more rotational minutes on a roster where playing time can be hard to find. Jalen Green had another poor shooting performance, connecting on only 4 of 17 attempts from the field, resulting in a subpar 13 points. Alperen Sengun remained a steady presence, scoring 14 points and grabbing nine boards, as he attempts to lock up the starting center position.

Everything was in the works for the Rockets to get a victory on Halloween. Then came clutch time, the final minutes of the game… the dreaded close. Houston failed to finish the contest, as they were outscored 7-0 to finish the game, vanquishing their 5-point edge to the Clippers. These two squads will battle on the hardwood once again Wednesday night in Houston… where hopefully home brings out the best in these Rockets.