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Rockets Return Home, Host Wizards in Westbrook’s Return

Electric Vindication.    Black Magic.    Backcourt Premier?

This one feels personal. It was only a few months ago, that Russell Westbrook called Houston home. On Tuesday night, Brodie finally makes his lone trip to the place he briefly called home, as the Rockets meet the Wizards on Tuesday night. Washington has been plagued by the coronavirus, although the team is improving, the Wizards have played three fewer games than Houston. So far, the Rockets are lucky the virus has only postponed their opener. The NBA season’s in jeopardy if too many games get postponed. But looking from a Houston viewpoint, the commissioner Adam Silver’s smart enough to guide the league through another tumultuous season. The Rockets are coming off impressive back-to-back road wins over the weekend, especially a pounding of in-state rival Dallas. Don’t look at the records of Houston and Washington. Tonight, you can throw those out the window.

Expect Russell Westbrook to be fired up more than usual. Despite asking for the trade, every player loves lighting up his former team, especially on the road. And Brodie is an energetic and fiery as players come. The Rockets defense has to be stout on Tuesday night. They need to clog the driving lanes to force Westbrook to take mid-range or perimeter shots. DeMarcus Cousins needs to avoid foul trouble, as he’s the squad’s main big whose size can cause issues for Russ drives to the rim. As Houston fans witnessed last season, Brodie struggles mightily from the perimeter. So the further Westbrook is from the basket, the better for the Rockets. But that’s easier said than done. Brodie’s still one of the most explosive players in basketball.

Houston also has to contain Washington’s Bradley Beal. The other part of the Wizards star backcourt. Beal can score 50 points on any given night, so the Rockets main defensive focus has to be on Washington’s lethal backcourt. Houston may see its own starting backcourt play together for the first time tonight, as John Wall and Victor Oladipo are both expected to take the floor. Two of the newest Rockets have yet to share the court due to injuries, rest, corona, etc. But finally, tonight, Houston gets a look at what the future of Rockets basketball can accomplish. Lucky for Houston, the Wizards are without lethal bigs Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura. Bryant is out for the season due to an injury. Meanwhile, Hachimura is still out due to the league’s “health and safety protocols,” but he should be back soon enough for the Wizards. Tonight’s a battle of star backcourts, as the Rockets premier their All-Star backcourt against a lethal Bradley Beal, and a vindictive Russell Westbrook, triple-double machine who wants nothing more than to spoil Houston’s night. Regardless of the Wizards’ poor record in the East, Brodie returns to visit his former team for the first time… expect the action to get personal.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Washington Wizards (3-9):  Navy Blue

Houston Rockets (6-9):  Blue “City Edition”

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Boogie Nights:  Cousins, Gordon, Lead Rockets’ Route of Mavs, 133-108

In and Out.    Turning Back the Clock.    Built Different.

“Honestly, I came here to play with John Wall,” declared Marcus Cousins the night before James Harden was dealt in the blockbuster trade of the season. And with Victor Oladpio resting on the second night of a back-to-back, John Wall made a surprise appearances the Rockets smashed the Mavs, 33-108, on Saturday night. Wall missed the previous five games for Houston, and his presence defiantly had an effect on Boogie’s dominant night. Cousins loves playing with Wall, as they’re both stylish, and can be sneaky force to be reckoned with when both players are clicking. Chhristian Wood remained out with an injury, leaving the short-handed Rockets to pull off an improbable blowout-win.

Boogie had his best game in nearly two years, as Cousins put up All-Star numbers with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 assists. Once again filling in for a depleted backcourt, Eric Gordon had 28 points, including some vicious drives to the hoop. Wall started but played only 20 minutes, finishing with 7 points and 8 dimes. Houston will try and ease him back into action to prevent any further injuries. David Nwaba had 18 points, and Mason Jones once again proved why he deserves to stay with the squad scoring 16 points. Hopefully, the Rockets have been convinced that Jones earns a roste spot. The duo combined to shoot a stellar 12-for-15 from the field, including connecting on 5 of their shots from beyond the arc.

This was arguably the Rockets best win of the season. Short-handed on the road. The second night of a back-to-back. Against a likely playoff team this season, in Dallas. Houston didn’t just win, they gave the Mavs a 25-point beatdown. Besides Gordon, Cousins, Nwaba, and Jones, Jae-Sean Tate and P.J.Tucker fueled the squad’s energy, and finished with 6 points east. In what perhaps was the highlight of the game, K.J. Martin Jr. climbed “Boban Mountain”, blocking 7’4 Boban Marjanovic in the second quarter. Martin Jr. finished with 8 points in his best game of the young season.

Victor Oladipo and John Wall could play together for the first time on Tuesday night, when these built-different Rockets host Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards. It’s a big-time game, as Brodie visits Houston for the first time since he was traded for… John Wall… in the offseason. Who won the trade? It’s tough to tell at the moment. Both players have missed significant time with injuries. However, I think Wall fits Coach Stephen SIlas’ system better than Westbrook. Therefore, I think Houston made the right swap.. if Wall can stay healthy. And the Rockets need more vintage Boogie Nights like the performance from Cousins on Saturday. Well.. Houston has the guy Boogie came to town to play with, the same man ready to battle Russell Westbrook in a heated Tuesday-night thriller… John Wall.

Rockets Visit Mavs, Renew I-10 Rivalry

Quicksand.    Battle of Tired Legs.    Improbable Dream.

“You tend to breathe hard when you get excited,” Mel Gibson says as the titular character in the film Maverick. And as the Rockets, fresh off a hard-fought, breathless win over the Pistons, visit Dallas to take on the Mavs. It’s the second night of a back-to-back, for both teams. Dallas won a close game in San Antonio last night. Expect Houston’s test in Dallas between these Texas rivals to be a battle of tired legs. The Rockets put on an all-around team effort in their gutsy win over the Pistons, as they avoided a disastrous collapse. Houston can’t afford to play games like they did in Detroit. Not with Luka Doncic and the Mavs, otherwise the Rockets will find themselves growing in quicksand. Tonight’s game will require everyone in Rockets white to leave it all on the floor. Houston is still severely undermanned, and are the obvious underdogs in tonight’s Texas-tussle.

The Rockets escaped the first part of this back-to-back with a nail biting win in Detroit. If this game in Dallas is close, Houston’s in trouble. But the improbable dream of going undefeated this weekend remains in reach. Luka Doncic has had a somewhat underwhelming start to the season, but is starting to heat up, and play like the MVP most expected him to be this year. Luka’s a closer, and if this one’s close, the Rockets will have to pray Doncic has an off-night. Otherwise, Houston will have to settle for a 1-1 split over this shorthanded road back-to-back. Expect David Nwaba, Jae’Sean Tate, and a handful of Rocket players to take turns trying to stop one of the NBA’s most lethal players. Kevin Porter Jr. won’t make his debut tonight, as it could be some time before the young newcomer makes his debut. Porter Jr. hasn’t played all season, and needs to get in game-shape before considering taking the court for some minutes.

Hopefully, this is the last game the Rockets play with John Wall sidelined. Coach Stephen Silas said Wall is expected back after the weekend, and with two days off after tonight, don’t be surprised to see Wall ready to take on the only other team he’s played for… the Washington Wizards, on Tuesday night. For now, Houston is still without Wall and Wood. Hopefully Oladipo can put on a show reminiscent of his Rockets debut in Chicago on Monday, when he scored 32 points with 9 dimes. Houston needs Victor to play up to his All-Star capability, and the Rockets as a team need to, as Sterling Brown said, “just go get it”, in reference to the basketball, the game, the win. Dallas won the first matchup earlier this season in Houston, 113-100, giving the Rockets their first home loss. This was way back when Houston still had a guy named James Harden. As for tonight, whoever wants it more, breathes harder, and plays like their life’s on the line wins this matchup. And who knows? With the parity ton start this NBA season, we could be in for an upset in Texas… it’s time to get excited.

 

American Airlines Center:  Dallas, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (5-9):  White

Dallas Mavericks (8-7):  Green

 

TV:  8 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Survive Late to Hold Off Pistons, 103-102, Snap Skid

Seven Samurai.    Sterling Survivors.    Boogie Frights.    

“Consider who we’re dealing with here. Give a wolf a taste of your leg and he’ll ask for your hand.” One of the best quotes from the legendary film, Seven Samurai. And a message that reminded me of Houston narrows escape from the Motor City with a 103-102 win over the Pistons on Friday night. The Rockets burst out of the gates in Detroit, grabbing a 34-21 lead after the first quarter, and even built a 20-point lead on then worst team in the NBA. But, that familiar bad-habit from Houston teams of past showed up. These hard-playing, gritty, new-look Rockets slowly let the Pistons back in the game. By halftime, Houston’s lead was cut to 8 points. And Detroit would eventually grab a 6-point lead late in the fourth-quarter, when it looked like the Pistons would pull-off the rally. Luckily for the Rockets, this was an all-out team effort tonight, and the squad was determined to end their losing streak Houston had a balanced scoring attack, with seven players scoring in double-figures.

Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 20 points, despite going 1-for-6 from distance. P.J. Tucker found his rhythm, scoring 15 points, and connecting on 5 of his 8 shots from deep. P.J.’s shooting has taken a huge dip this season. Houston needs more showings from Tucker where he strokes the ball with efficiency. Victor Oladipo, Jae’Sean Tate, and David Nwaba all chipped in with 13 points for the offense. But the Rockets do NOT win this game without Sterling Brown. This season’s new arrival from Milwaukee showed once again what Brown can do for Houston. And that’s hit clutch, and be ready for big moments. Brown scored 8 of his 14 points in the final frame, including nailing a few huge threes. Sterling was stellar from beyond the arc, knocking down 4 of his 6 shots from long range. Brown also grabbed 5 of his 8 rebounds (including 3 offensive) in the fourth. His play’s evidence Brown deserves spot in the rotation when, or if, this team ever gets fully-healthy.

DeMarcus Cousins spot in the rotation is necessary due to his size, but his caliber-of-play recently could suggest otherwise. Prayers up that Christian Wood heals as quickly as possible, and can resume action soon. Boogie, quite simply, has been terrible over the last few games. The former All-Star’s definitely lost more than just a step. Granted, he’s coming off injury problems, but Boogie’s seemed to age two years in this early season alone. He looked great to start the season. But since Harden left, Cousins has been hard to watch. He’s seemed to lost the ability to finish around the rim. Boogie has struggled mightily to make a shot around the basket. Cousins did grab 15 boards and dish out 7 dimes, but shot a horrendous 2-for-16 from the floor. Absolutely disgusting. Unless he’s wide open for a dunk, Boogie needs to transfer his mindset from scoring, and focus on passing the ball and being the best rebounder Houston can suit up at the moment. Cousins has always been a great passer, and his size allows him to bang with the biggest of NBA bodies. But his days of putting up big scoring numbers are over. And his lack fo ability to finish even the closest layups almost cost Houston a game they should have won easily. The contest ended on an officials review after it was deemed a foul called on P.J. Tucker occurred after the game ended. Had it been another story, the Rockets would’ve sent Detroit’s leading scorer Jerami Grant to the line for a chance to win the game. Thankfully, the refs got the right call, and Houston escaped with the narrow victory. After building a comfortable lead, the Rockets gave the Pistons a taste of what a comeback victory would feel like, with Detroit almost taking that dance. Thankfully, Houston never truly offered their hand. Up next is a dance the Rockets have no choice but to accept: Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Get ready for a Saturday Night Dance… Texas-style.

Short-Handed Rockets Aim to Snap Skid, Visit Pistons in Detroit

Double-Dip.    The Lucas Effect.    Same Approach, New Look.

The Rockets hit the road again for a back-to-back this weekend in Detroit and Dallas. It all begins tonight, as Houston visits the Motor City to take on the Pistons, the team with the NBA’s worst record. After suffering an ankle sprain in their last game, Christian Wood will miss at least this weekend, and probably more time. So, once again, the squad will be short-handed, with a new group of starters yet to be revealed this season. Houston has to play hard, and realize even with all the injuries, the Rockets are still better than the Detroit Pistons. But the team with the worst record is no joke. They still boast Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, and sea of players who could have the game of their life against Houston. Looking at the bigger picture, the Rockets have to win this game tonight, as tomorrow night’s task in Dallas will be exponentially harder.

Houston signed troubled, young guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Thursday. The Rockets waived Chris Clemons to clear a roster sport for Porter Jr., who is coming from the Cleveland Cavaliers, after he was kicked off their team following an outburst in the locker room. Porter Jr.’s blithe attitude has obviously not worked well in Cleveland. Houston plans to make the best out of this talented youngster. The Rockets idea is to have assistant coach John Lucas work closely with the newcomer. Lucas has a history of helping players in the NBA and NFL get their careers back on track. More importantly, Lucas has been the steady, even-keeled master who keeps his apprentice, the NBA’s most lethal sixth man, Eric Gordon, in a clear mental state. Gordy doesn’t say much, as P.J. Tucker discussed recently, but it’s clear all the time spent working with Lucas during warm-ups and practice has kept Gordon from going insane. Along with Tucker, Gordon is the only other Rocket who’s been here to see Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook’s brief reigns in Houston. They also witnessed the best and worst of the Harden era. An era during which it must have been tough on Gordon, given the inconsistent amount of touches EG would get on a nightly basis. Now, as he said after Harden was traded, he, and the team, can finally move forward.

Well, the Rockets have been moving backwards as of late. Skidding their way into the Motor City on a three-game losing streak, Houston hopes a meeting with the league’s worst will help right the ship a bit before they visit their I-10 Rivals in Dallas tomorrow. The game-plan is simple: play hard. Like your life depends on it. The team that plays harder wins tonight’s battle in Detroit. And without John Wall, and now Christian Wood, Houston is going to have to play harder than ever. Hopefully Victor Oladipo can lead the way, and have a sensational game like he did in his debut. The Rockets are going to lean on Oladipo like they used to lean on James Harden. Maybe, Vic can have a special night tonight, and carry the team. Houston needs him to play like a star if they want to get a victory this weekend.

 

Little Caesars Arena:  Detroit, Michigan

 

Jersey Colors:

Detroit Pistons (3-11):  Blue

Houston Rockets (4-9):  White

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW       

Rockets Get Burned By Suns, 109-103, Drop Third Straight

Another One Bites the Dust.    Patiently Waiting.    Digging Out.

Houston returned home, and lost not only their third straight, but also their upstart star center, Christian Wood, who went down with an ankle sprain in the loss. The Rockets were outplayed for nearly the entire game, made the exercise somewhat interesting down the stretch, but ran out of gas, dropping their third game in a row, at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker scored 24 points, but it was DeAndre Ayton, who’s 26 points and 17 boards really helped Phoenix maintain control of the match. Along with 5 other Suns players in a balanced Phoenix attack. Houston especially had no answer for Ayton, who dominated on both ends of the floor, and feasted once Wood left the game. Unfortunately, Wood could miss several weeks, although nothing is officially confirmed at this time. DeMarcus Cousins will have to step up in Wood’s absence. Boogie has struggled mightily the last few games. Maybe more minutes and a starting role with get the former All-Star back in his groove.

For now, the Rockets will have to wait patiently. John Wall is expected to return after the weekend’s back-to-back. A trip on which Wood won’t be traveling, leaving Houston once again shorthanded, and looking at another new starting lineup. If this team can ever get Wall, Wood, and Victor Oladipo on the court at the same time, the Rockets can truly show their potential. Until then, we’ll truly never know how good this group can be. We’ll just have to wait patiently. Hopefully not too long.

The Rockets have spent too many games this season taking way too long digging themselves out of early holes. This was once again the case against the Suns. Houston trailed by as many as 20, only to make it a game in the final minutes by cutting the deficit to two points. Oladipo and co. couldn’t climb over the Suns, and came up short. Houston next plays the team with the worst record in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons, before taking on a much better Dallas Mavericks group the next day. Despite being once again direly short-handed, the Rockets have to go at least 1-1 over this upcoming back-to-back. Houston’s starting to dig themselves a hole they might not be able to escape. The Rockets are 4-9. They can’t afford to fall to 4-11. 6-9 would be great, but that’s asking a lot out of this shorthanded young group on the second night of a back-to-back. Houston needs to win the game in Detroit, even shorthanded, if they play hard enough, the Rockets have the ability to beat the Pistons. It’s the closest thing to a must-win this early in the season. This team can’t afford to lose many more games. Otherwise… they may not have a chance at returning to the playoffs this year.

Rockets in Desperate Need of a Win as Suns Stop in H-Town

Homecoming.    Revenge Games.    Cast Away.   

“I know what I have to do now, I’ve got to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?” A quote from the film Cast Away, as the Rockets try and prevent the Suns from rising to victory in Houston on Wednesday night. The Rockets are in the midst of playing 14 of 18 games on the road, so this homecoming is a brief bit stop for the squad in Houston. And they’ve fared much better at home, compared to the road. These new-look Rockets are an even 3-3 at home, opposed to a torrid 1-5 away from the Toyota Center. Houston will get a chance to get their fourth victory at home tonight, but it won’t be easy. Former-Rocket Chris Paul, along with his new team, the upstart Phoenix Suns, battle the Rockets in a pivotal game for Houston on Wednesday night.

The Rockets desperately need a win over the Suns tonight. Only the Minnesota Timberwolves have a worse record (3-9) in the West than Houston. Despite their position, the Rockets are still only a few games out of a playoff-spot. It’s still early in the season, and the squad has plenty of games left (60) to get their act together. They really need John Wall. But Houston’s newest point guard will be out for a fourth-straight game with an injury relating to his knee. He’s listed as day-to-day, and boy today’s a day the Rockets could use Wall. Not only will they be trying to stop one of Chris Paul’s “Revenge Games,” the team will be tasked at trying to stop Devin Booker, one of the most underrated All-Stars in the game today. They’ll also have to contend with DeAndre Ayton, the young big who’s finally rounding into form for Phoenix. Ayton’s off to his best start to a season in his young career, registering 18 points and 16 boards in the Suns’ loss on Monday in Memphis. Christian Wood will have his hands full defensively. P.J. Tucker and Jae’Sean Tate will need all the help, as they help out on the defensive end. It’s a nightmare matchup for the Rockets tonight. They’re going to have to play so much harder, and hope they make more than the usual percentage of shots, to beat this Suns team. A squad fueled by Chris Paul, who probably loves winning in Houston more than any other city. A John Wall-less Rockets will have to be ready for everyone to bring something to the court. Houston needs more emphasis on rebounding and transition defense. Secondly, and this will come with more time and chemistry, the Rockets need to lower their turnover rate. Stop giving the ball away.

There’s no reason to panic, but at 4-8, Houston can’t afford to keep losing, despite not being at full-strength. Eventually, they’ll dig themselves too deep a hole. And they’ll never be able to climb out. That’s if the losses continue to pile up. The Rockets are playing a young, talented Suns team led by a vindictive Chris Paul. All signs point to a victory in Phoenix’s favor tonight. But Houston has to find a way to muster the effort and resilience to pull-out the win, in their brief pit-stop back home. The Rockets have to creep closer to .500, and improve to 5-8 by beating the Suns. A loss, and 4-9 begins to look mountainous. It isn’t just the start to the season. We’re well into this campaign, this is the first chapter. And Houston returns home, intent on saving its season. Phoenix will be amped and psyched to beat up on a less-talented Rockets team. Can Victor Oladipo have a repeat performance? And maybe get assistance from his teammates? Or will the Rockets be cast away, as the sun sets on their season? We’ll find out tonight, as the tide that is CP3 surges in with revenge, hell-bent on getting another win in H-Town. The Rockets better hope the shots falls, or there won’t be anything sunny about this game for Houston.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (7-5):  Black “City Edition”

Houston Rockets (4-8):  Blue “City Edition”

 

TV:  8:30 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Oladipo Dazzles in Debut, But Bulls Out-Run Rockets, 125-120

Special Start.    Where’s Johnny?    Awaiting Full Artillery.

Victor Oladipo, the Rockets newest star, and possibly their best player, said he’s happy with the squad, and believes “special days” are ahead. For now, those days will have to wait. Despite a dazzling debut for the Rockets by Victor Oladipo, Houston fell short in Chicago, 125-120, and dropped to 4-8 on the season. After a torrid first quarter, which saw the Rockets score only 16 points and dig themselves a 12-point hole, Houston got back in the game. The combination of too much Zach LaVine and Lauri Maurkkenen for the Bulls, along with terrible rebounding and consistent turnover frequency for the Rockets kept Houston from capping their road trip with a win. LaVine led Chicago with 33 points, and Maurkkanen played Robin, chipping in with 18 points. If there’s a silver lining to be found in this loss, it’s Oladipo’s performance. In his first game with his new team, Victor scored 32 points on an efficient 13-for-23 shooting performance. Houston’s newest star also dished out 9 dimes, and grabbed 5 boards in his Rockets debut. Vic’s showing is a good sign for the future in Houston, at least for this season, but the Rockets really need to be at full-strength to have any shot at making noise in the playoffs. And that starts with John Wall.

Where’s John Wall. We know he’s been out with a mysterious knee injury. A wound that’s considered day-to-day, only until the weeks unravel, and a month goes by. Hopefully, Wall is on the verge of a return. The Rockets need a playmaker with Harden long gone to Brooklyn. John Wall showed signs earlier this season he can still handle the rock with the best in the world. However, Wall’s had a history with injuries. And the fact he’s missed this much time is a slightly concerning. Hopefully, it’s just a result of seeing too much action after being sidelined over two years due to injury, and his body needing time to adjust back to the “playing days” of the NBA regular season. Whatever it is, Houston needs their Wall, or this squad will have trouble even making the playoffs.

Along with their star point guard, the mischievous Danuel House has now missed the team’s last 8 games, who is self-isolating. It’s unknown whether his absence is related to the virus, or just to a man who’s slowly seemed to unravel in Houston. On social media, House has been promoting working on his rap album. Not a good sign for an NBA player in the midst of a season. Especially the only guy who was kicked out of Orlando’s bubble last season. His departure definitely made the Rockets worse on the court, and who knows, could’ve been the beginnings of Harden’s inkling to leave Houston. Regardless, the Rockets need to be at full-strength, desperately needing Wall back. With a roster 12-deep at the minimum, they can potentially do some unexpected damage this season. But, if they keep having multiple guys missing every game, it’s going to be hard making the playoffs in a loaded Western Conference, where the Rockets have already struggled, with a 4-8 record overall to start this season. Hopefully Houston gets back to full-strength quickly, or those special days Oladipo mentioned… could be further away than he thought.

Rockets Visit Chicago, Prepped to Run with the Bulls

Ola-Debut.    Musical Chairs.    The WOW Factor.

“It’s a new energy, a positive energy. It’s great to be a part of,” the newest Rocket, Victor Oladipo, said during his introductory press conference. And finally, tonight, Oladipo will make his debut for Houston, as the Rockets try and outrun the Bulls in Chicago. Victor is by far the most valuable piece Houston acquired in the James Harden trade. Although rumors persist about Oladipo’s desire to play in Miami, Victor’s in Houston, at least for this season. And he’s a free agent this summer, so he may depart elsewhere, after a short stint. However, Oladipo is one of the most like-able players in the league, and I could see him being a perfect fit with the Rockets. On Monday night, he gets his first chance to show Houston what he can do on the court.

The Rockets were shorthanded during their two-game trip in San Antonio. Houston only had nine available players for the first game, and even less, with only eight in the second. Oladipo’s debut will give the Rockets some needed firepower. As will the returning DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Gordon. Both didn’t play in San Antonio, and their presence allows Houston to creep closer to full strength. The squad is still without John Wall and Danuel House Jr.

It’s been a season of musical chairs for Houston’s roster. The Rockets have seemingly had a different starting lineup every game, but hopefully consistency will arise once the injury bug is ridden. And once they get those Wall and House return, this team has the potential to do more damage than most people think. The Rockets are a much deeper squad than the pundits imagine, especially is Oladipo fully buys in, and plays well alongside Wall. Vic won’t get a chance to play with John tonight, but he will get his first taste of pick and roll action with the other part of Houston’s WOW factor, Christian Wood. Houston takes on a young Bulls team led by Zach LaVine. Their point guard, Coby White is having a breakout year, and they also boast one of the best rookies in the league, in Patrick Williams. Nonetheless, the Rockets have the talent to beat to Bulls. It’s a matter of Oladipo gelling with his teammates, and truly becoming a part of that new energy.

Despite the departure of Harden, the Rockets have a big-three of their own. They may not be as potent as another big three in the league, but these three players have yet to play a game together. And they are: John Wall, Victor Oladipo, and Christian Wood. The WOW Factor. Also Houston’s best chance of winning lies in the hands of these three players. If these guys can stay healthy all season, and play up to their potential, the Rockets will be the West’s dark horse. We’ll have to wait a few days to see the trio in action. And the squad needs to avoid falling any any further in the standings. At 4-7, Houston will have twice as many losses as wins with a loss tonight. If they can pull off the victory, they’ll still only be two games under .500. It may not be the shiniest matchup, but tonight’s game is huge for the Rockets in determining the direction the squad will be taking, and potentially some of their players, this season. And tonight, after a bit of waiting time, we get our first look at Victor Oladipo, who, for this energetic Rockets team, could end up being the most important part.

 

United Center:  Chicago, Illinois

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (4-7):  White

Chicago Bulls (5-8):  Black “City Edition”

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Run Out of Steam Late, Crumble to Spurs, 103-91

Eight Isn’t Enough.    The Jones Show.    Empty Tank.

Same teams, same place… different outcome. Houston split their Texas Two-Step in San Antonio, falling to the Spurs 103-91 on Saturday afternoon. Registering only 8 available players, the Rockets put up a reasonable fight, and even led for most of the game. Houston just ran out of steam in the fourth quarter. Mason Jones, in his first career-NBA start, was a pleasant surprise for the Rockets. Jones, who’s expected to head to the Orlando Bubble for the G-League in February, made the most of his opportunity on Saturday evening. Jones led the team in scoring, notching 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting. The youngster showed he’s capable of providing Houston with another decent playmaker, given that Jones stays on the squad, and avoids a drop down to the G-League. Christian Wood was spectacular again for the Rockets. Wood snagged a career-high 18 boards, and scored 24 points, but Houston just ran out of steam against a fully-healthy Spurs squad.

Ben McLemore got the offense rolling early for Houston, scoring 16 of his 21 points in the first quarter. Jae’Sean Tate got into early foul trouble, which didn’t help matters for the Rockets, and P.J. Tucker couldn’t hit the rim, shooting 1-for-9 from the floor. Still, Houston led for most of the first half, and stuck with San Antonio, until tired legs eventually buried the Rockets in the fourth quarter. Had the squad had another body or two, Houston could’ve definitely won this game, and swept their Alamo Two-Step. San Antonio just had more armory in this one. Jakob Poeltl was the player of the game for the Spurs, notching 30 minutes off the bench en route to 13 points and 11 boards. His size was a problem for this undermanned, out-sized Rockets team.

Houston will be getting more bodies back as they head to Chicago to finish their three-game road trip. Victor Oladipo is expected to make his Rockets debut, and Eric Gordon and DeMarcus Cousins will be returning from their respective injuries. As for their stop in San Antonio, having a combined 17 players for 2 games, the Rockets can’t be all that upset about splitting the pair under these difficult circumstances. If P.J. Tucker makes a few more shots, and Tate stays out of foul trouble, this outcome in the Alamo City could’ve been different.