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Blazers Rip Rockets, 110-102, as Harden, Westbrook Struggle

Good and Bad Deja Vu.    Sizing Issues.    Unlucky 13.

Old habits came back to haunt these Rockets on Tuesday night, as Houston fell to Portland, 110-102, for its first bubble loss of the season. The Blazers dominated on the glass, and used their size (and Damian Lillard) to take advantage of the game. Gary Trent Jr. hit some huge shots to keep Portland ahead as the Rockets tried to creep closer. Ultimately, it was none other than brief ex-Rocket Carmelo Anthony hit the dagger three-point shot to seal the win for the Blazers. James Harden and Russell Westbrook struggled. Brodie’s streak of 37 straight games with 20 points ended. Westbrook had only 15 points, and was a little too out of control in the clutch. Harden had another sub-par game with 23 points, and the Rockets just got outplayed by a Portland team who is much better than their record shows. The Blazers have a real shot at sneaking into the playoffs and playing the Lakers in the first round.

Jusuf Nurkic, Hassan Whiteside, and Zach Colllins all exposed Houston’s small-ball line-up, as the Rockets were outmanned and outmuscled on the glass. Nurkic especially dominated, scoring 18 points and snagging 19 boards. Still, Houston had a chance to win this game. They just didn’t execute down the stretch. The shooting of Dame, Trent Jr., and Melo’s clutch dagger won the match for Portland, along with their huge size advantage.

The Rockets have now fallen behind by 13 or more points early in the contest in each of their first three bubble games. Not a good strategy to live by if you want to consistently win basketball games. Living on the edge can be fun, but only for so long. Until reality comes back to bite. Houston needs to avoid falling in early holes. It takes too much exerted effort to trail by double-digits every night, and then try and make a comeback. Hopefully the Rockets reverse their trend in their next game against the Lakers. LeBron won’t be playing, which means Houston will let their guard down, but they can’t. Someone’s gotta step up and keep this team from reverting back to bad habits. And it won’t be Russ, the Rockets will miss his energy was he will be out with an injury as well. Houston needs Harden to step up and get back to the level of play he displayed in the opener. Mind-shaking step-back threes, strong drives to the lane, and clutch play by one of the league’s best. Old habits Houston desperately need to return on Thursday night.

Rockets Aim to Keep Blazing, Face Portland in Anticipated Launchfest

Bubble Blasters.    Close Calls.    Caution Time.

Houston looks to keep rolling in seeding game number three, where they’ll take on the Portland Trail Blazers. Both the Rockets and Blazers have played in close, competitive games in the first two bubble games. James Harden and the Rockets have played it dangerously, staging monumental comebacks in both their victories. Portland, meanwhile, lost a close one to the Celtics in their last game after narrowly beating the Grizzlies in their seeding opener. After attempting 61 three-pointers in their last game, expect the Rockets to be somewhere near that mark tonight, as the Blazers love to shoot from distance as well. Damian Lillard has been a Rocket-killer over the years, and his partner in crime, C.J. McCollum, is one of the most underrated stars in the NBA. Hopefully, Russell Westbrook continues to relentlessly attack the basket, and Robert Covington’s defense remains lethal on the perimeter. The Blazers are 30-38, and fighting for a playoff spot. Houston has a tendency to play down to their competition, and tonight the squad needs to attack the Blazers like they’re a contender.
If the Rockets play too cool for school tonight, the Blazers have more than enough firepower to blast by Houston. Jusuf Nurjkic is back in the lineup for Portland, after missing much of the season with an injury. Hassan Whiteside also gives the Blazers a dominant size advantage the Rockets will have to counter in the post. Despite being out-rebounded by 29 in their last game, Houston managed to find other ways to get the victory against the East-leading Bucks. The Rockets will likely be out-rebounded tonight as well, and need to make up for the margin by continuing to force turnovers for the opposition.

Expect a launch-fest tonight in Orlando, as two of the NBA’s most trigger-happy three-point teams square off, with a lot on the line. The Blazers are currently in the 9th seed, trying to fight off Memphis, San Antonio, New Orleans, Sacramento, and Phoenix for the final playoff spot. The Rockets are currently in fourth, and after a Clippers loss to the Suns earlier today, Houston is only two games out of the second seed, and a game behind Denver for third. Each win or loss makes a huge impact in the standings. With only six games remaining, the Rockets have a legitimate chance to sneak into the second spot in the West. However, they can’t take teams like Portland lightly. Despite their record, the Blazers are basically at full health, and much better than the wins and losses show. It’s a battle of two of the league’s best backcourts… Harden and Westbrook, vs. Dame and C.J. Expect plenty of long-bombs and another close, competitive game in the bubble tonight.

 

Orlando, Florida

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (42-24):  “Classic” Red

Portland Trail Blazers (30-38):  Black

 

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

Clamp City:  Rockets Defense Seals Late Comeback Victory Over Bucks, 120-116

Come at Me, Bro.    Relentless RoCo.    Maintaining Focus.

If it’s drama you want, then Houston Rockets bubble basketball is the place for you. The squad narrowly squeaked out another comeback victory, as the Rockets beat the Bucks 120-116 on Sunday night. James Harden said he wished he was 7-foot, and could just run over people to dunk the ball, which takes very little skill. Giannis is blessed with the type of otherworldly athleticism only comparable to LeBron James. Harden, being in superb shape, is still a mere human being, compared to the gifts height God gifted the Freak. Which made me think of this quote: “he’s quite clever you know… for a human being,” said by C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back. Harden was clever enough to bait the otherworldly athleticism of Giannis Antetokounmpo into flailing and turning the ball over on multiple key possessions, resulting in a Rockets win. The Beard’s defense was stellar late on The Greek Freak. Anyone who says Harden isn’t playing on both ends of the floor isn’t watching (the Beard had six steals on the night). Houston found themselves in a similar situation as the opening bubble game against Dallas: down late, and rallying, this time a 16-4 run with 3 minutes on the clock, to come back for an impressive victory. It’s not a strategy that’s good for the heart, and it won’t work every time, but so far, the Rockets have played their best ball, especially defensively, when it matters most. Houston trailed by eight points with only three minutes remaining, but shutdown the Freak and Milwaukee defensively, allowing them to sneak by for a comeback victory.

Russell Westbrook continues to be quietly amazing. Brodie had 31 points, as he did against the Mavs, and relentlessly attacked the basket. 10 of his 11 shots were lay-ups or short jumpers. Russ only attempted 3 shots from long range, connecting once. This is the Westbrook the Rockets need if they’re going to be legitimate title contenders. Russ playing counter to Houston’s trigger-happy style of play from three-point land. Harden struggled from three, going 3-for-12 from deep, recording 24 points, 7 boards, and 7 dimes. Hopefully the Beard finds his touch from deep soon. A game against Portland awaits, one that presents a contest of aplomb three-point attempts.

Robert Covington continues to be a lethal threat on defense for the Rockets. I didn’t keep track, but RoCo got his hands on so many pass attempts, tipping the ball, forcing many of Milwaukee’s turnovers. I miss Clint Capela, but with Houston’s small-ball style, RoCo is definitely the better fit. The Rockets will need more of RoCo’s exceptional defense in their next matchup against one of the NBA’s best backcourts.

The Rockets have looked as good as any team so far in the early stages of bubble ball. With impressive comeback victories over playoff-bound Dallas and Milwaukee, Houston is proving they can play with anybody, and despite their size, the Rockets know how to win playing this style. Houston got out-rebounded by 29, were held to under 40% shooting, and gave up 116 points… yet still won the game. The Rockets became the first team in NBA history to win a game when giving up +110 points, getting out-rebounded by +25, and being held to under 40% shooting. Against the Bucks, Danuel House was 4-for-8 from long range. Every other Rocket struggled from distance (Jeff Green’s 3-for-8 not being too shabby). Houston needs a better shooting night in their next matchup. The squad now finds themself with the four seed in the West, only a game behind third. Hopefully, Harden and co. maintain focus, keep moving up. Next on the schedule is Damian Lillard and the Blazers, fighting to get into the playoffs. Whenever these two teams meet, the matchups are usually close and contested. With Portland’s playoff lives on the line, and Houston fighting for seeding position… expect the drama to continue in the Rockets’ next game.

Bring the Beef:  Rockets, Bucks Face-Off in Battle of Contenders

Don’t Pass This Up.     Seeking a Three Spot.   Finals Preview?

“Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn’t have fucked with? That’s me,” a Clint Eastwood quote from Gran Torino that brings to mind tonight’s matchup. Welcome to Round 2 of the biggest beef in the NBA: James Harden vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo, in what should be a thrilling matchup when the Rockets meet the Bucks on Saturday night. In case you’re wondering why these two MVP-candidates dislike each other, look back to February. It was during the All-Star break, when Giannis said he passed on picking Harden for his team, because he wanted someone “who would pass.” After the game, The Greek Freak said his team targeted Harden on defense when trying to score, a strategy that failed the Freak’s squad, as The Beard proved he’s a far superior defender than the ugly false narrative surrounding his repertoire. Except Harden to be locked in, and with Milwaukee missing Eric Bledsoe, the Beard could be prepped to serve up a 50-Burger tonight.

The Bucks beat the Celtics in their first bubble game, 119-112. Milwaukee will be without Pat Connaughton and Eric Bledsoe tonight. Houston is still missing Eric Gordon, who would’ve been a great matchup tonight. Hopefully, Danuel House and Ben McLemore continue their hot shooting from the perimeter. The Bucks will clog up the paint on drives from Harden and Russell Westbrook. Houston needs to knock down the open threes tonight, of which there will be aplenty. Despite currently sitting in sixth place, the Rockets are only a game and half behind Denver for the third seed out West. Tonight’s game is the perfect opportunity for Harden and co. to make a statement on national TV. Expect the announcers to be Bucks-obsessed, with a mention here or there about the Rockets, but Houston looks to wake up these “analysts” and other doubters with a victory tonight.

Saturday night’s tilt could potentially be a preview of the NBA Finals. In the East, Milwaukee is heavily favored. The Rockets have to get through the Los Angeles Firestorm out West, but with Harden and Westbrook playing at the top of their respective games, Houston has just as great a shot as the Bucks or L.A. teams to lay claim to the throne. If the Rockets can get past the Los Angeles mountain in the playoffs, there’s a good chance the Bucks will be waiting for them in the Finals. In Houston’s first bubble game, Harden and Westbrook combined for 80 points. Don’t expect the Beard or Brodie to slow down tonight, despite the tougher competition. The Rockets will have their hands full with The Greek Freak. Giannis still hasn’t proven to display a consistent shooting game, needing to drive to the rim to score or generate plays. Houston needs to form a wall any time Giannis drives, forcing the “others” on Milwaukee to take shots. As for Harden, he’s been waiting for a shot at the Freak for a long time. I can’t tell you exactly what he has in store for the audience, but I do know… there’s just some people you don’t fuck with. And you’re not going to want to miss tonight’s action. Let the beef sizzle…

 

The Bubble:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Milwaukee Bucks (54-12):  Green

Houston Rockets (41-24):  Red

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT –  ABC,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Hot Hand Harden:  Rockets Rally,  Topple Mavs in OT,  153-149

Texas-Tuned Up.    Bubble Predators.    Red Resilience.

“I ain’t got time to bleed,” Blain Cooper says in Predator, the late 80’s classic action film. And if this season was a movie, the Rockets don’t have time to bleed. James Harden was knocked to the ground early after tip-off, before even attempting a shot. It didn’t matter. The Beard’s arguably the league’s toughest player, and put on a show in Houston’s first game in the NBA’s bubble. Harden finished with 49 points to lead the Rockets to a comeback 153-149 overtime victory. This one wasn’t easy. Dallas shot the ball well the entire game, and Luka Doncic finished with triple-double despite fouling out late. Kristaps Porzingis (aka “The Unicorn”) tallied an impressive 36 points and 16 boards. The Rockets trailed by 7 points with 45 seconds in the game, and entering Friday, historically, NBA teams were 2-711 when placed in this situation. But Brodie and the Beard combined for 80 points, and were too much for the Mavs, as were some clutch shots from other Rockets late in the game. Houston rallied to force OT, and bonus basketball brought death to the hopes of Dallas.

Despite a dominant performance from the NBA’s best backcourt, it was more than just Brodie and the Beard that fueled the Rockets on Friday night. Seven of the eight players who saw court time scored in double figures. Danuel House led the squad with six bombs from deep, and finished with 20 points. Ben McLemore didn’t miss from beyond the arc in only 14 minutes, connecting on all four of his threes for 13 points. Without Eric Gordon, three of Houston’s  most lethal threats from distance (Tucker, McLemore, House) combined to shoot 12-for-19, translating to an otherworldly 63% from behind the three-point line. The Rockets need this kind of shooting in Gordon’s absence to fill the void EG leaves on the roster.

Houston’s newest addtion, Robert Covington, started 0-for-8 from three-point land. And usually, when a player who’s never been an All-Star is 0-for-8 from distance, he’s riding the bench. But RoCo isn’t just any player. Covington made the play of the game, tipping in a missed Harden free throw to tie the game with about four seconds left. The Rockets forced overtime, where RoCo finally hit a big three to extend the lead, and Harden and co. finished off a gutty overtime victory in a crazy first game in the bubble. It doesn’t get any easier for the squad. Next up, they take on the Milwaukee Bucks in  potential NBA Finals preview. The Bucks beat the Houston on opening night at Toyota Center. Milwaukee has just about secured the top seed out East. On Sundayn night, Harden and the Rockets can’t afford to relax like they did in the first half against Dallas. For Houston, every game’s monumental, and this next one’s a statement game… the Rockets ain’t got time to bleed.

Rockets Battle Mavs, Kick-Off Bubble Season

I-45 to Florida.    Slim Era.    Time to Teach.

One of the NBA’s biggest rivalries gets renewed in a new atmosphere on Friday night, as the Rockets get back to the hardwood in a battle against the Dallas Mavericks. It’s the first game for both teams since mid-March, so expect a little rust on both sides. Houston needs to be sharp on defense so they can be competitive while their shooting takes time to find rhythm.

In their final scrimmage on Tuesday, Eric Gordon turned his ankle and will miss about two weeks. Danuel House will start in EG’s place. Hopefully, Ben McLemore, Austin Rivers, and other reserves take advantage of increased playing time.

People in the media love to compare Luka Doncic to James Harden. And people in the media love to adore Doncic, and they thrive on criticizing Harden. But, both players style of play is similar. Expect Harden to teach the sophomore star some tricks as the Rockets look to get back to work with a win tonight. There’s slim room for error for Houston. Currently sixth in the standings, the Rockets have a chance to climb all the way up to the third, or possibly second seed. The squad could also fall to the eight. Every game’s important down the stretch. Friday’s matchup against the in-state rival Mavs marks the first of eight games Houston will play before the playoffs begin. The Rockets don’t have time to give up big leads, play down to their competition, or get complacent. Now is the time to move up in the standings, take advantage of this unique situation. It all begins tonight, with a beatdown (hopefully) of the Mavs… Florida style.

 

Orlando, Florida

 

Houston Rockets (40-24)

Dallas Mavericks (40-27)

 

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

Welcome to the Bubble:  the Masked Truth and a Possible Dream –  Houston Rockets Restart Preview

Back… for Now.    Elite 8.    Slim Jimmy, Brodie, and the Wings. 

“They’re gonna need a bigger boat” Roy Scheider says in 1975’s Jaws. Well, it’s late July, a time when the NBA’s Banana Boat would usually be in full-session. Not this year. Hopefully, the NBA itself doesn’t need a bigger boat, as the bubble experiment begins Thursday night in Orlando. It was a completely different world when Jaws rocked cinemas. And it’s a whole new world today, as the Houston Rockets prepare to get back to work. After a four and-a-half month hiatus, longer than the NBA’s usual offseason, the league is back. But this time, there will be no fans, and all the action is taking place in a bubble the NBA has set up in Orlando. To say a lot has happened since we last saw the Beard and Brodie in action would be an understatement. The world has changed, forever. With beckoning for social justice at an all-time high after the murder of George Floyd, it finally seems like change is coming, in a good way. Change has also been here, in a bad way. When the coronavirus first hit the news outlets, it seemed like something distant and unlikely to really shock America, but move forward more than half a year. This pandemic has changed the world, and put a pause on the sports world for a few months. Gone are the days of handshakes, hugs, and naked-face talk. Say hello to masks, social distancing, and staying away from people. How long is this era here to stay? No one knows for sure. It’s an eerie time, but the NBA is back to try and put some joy on people’s masked faces. Hopefully the league can pull this off. With the virus being highly contagious, a possible outbreak, or at least hurdles that could ultimately end the season, are in the back of every player, coach, and person in the bubble. Hopefully this experiment lasts until October 13th, which would be Game 7 of the NBA Finals. For now, all we can do is hope and be optimistic. A few days ago, reports of 0 positive tests emerging from the bubble is a good sign for the league. Still, no one can afford to relax on Covid-protocol, or the season is over and no champion is crowned. Hopefully, everyone in the bubble remain cautious, to ensure the NBA can finish the craziest season in history. If that happens, and their health remains intact, the Rockets have a real shot at shocking the world in Florida, and winning a title.

Harden, Westbrook, and Houston needed a breather more than anyone. Coach Mike D’Antoni was running them into the ground before the break. The squad got worn out quicker than all the buzz about Tiger King. So, the Beard are co. should be ready to run and gun through a tough final 8 games before the playoffs begin. Besides Harden, other members of the squad have lost weight. Eric Gordon, who unfortunately turned his ankle in the final scrimmage, and will miss two weeks, also dropped the pounds. And Russell Westbrook doesn’t take any days off. Houston’s ready to run the wheels off this ride. The Rockets have a tough slate in the eight games they’ll play before the playoffs. This includes matchups with the Bucks, Lakers, Sixers, Mavs, and Pacers among other squads battling for playoff position.

Orlando’s bubble-scenario presents a perfect situation for the Rockets. No fans, no distractions, only on-court leadership and focus. Houston’s wings should be more comfortable letting it fly from distance. The Rockets take more threes than any team in the league, and despite initial rust that’s bound to creep up in the first few games, Houston should benefit most from playing in a neutral-based tournament. Most analysts recycle the same three teams when talking about title contenders: the Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks. Don’t be surprised if the Rockets surprise some people and make a splash in Orlando. We are near DisneyWorld, anything can happen. And despite their lack of size, James Harden and Russell Westbrook look primed to go on a historic run. Riding a rocket ship poised to thrive in this format. Those other contenders… they’re gonna need a bigger boat.

Rockets Hunt Down Wolves, 117-111, Season Comes to a Halt

The Ides of March.    Intermission.    Next Chapter.

“Beware the Ides of March,” a soothsayer says to Caesar in Shakespeare’s classic play, Julius Caesar. The Rockets won on Tuesday night, holding off the Timberwolves, 117-111, to earn their 40th win of the season. James Harden led the way with 37 points, but it was Wednesday’s action that was more impactful on Houston than anything the Beard or the Rockets did the night before. For all we know, Tuesday could’ve been the final game of the season.

Just before tip-off of the Jazz/Thunder game on Wednesday, Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. In the hours that followed, this game was postponed, followed by the final game of the night, Kings/Pelicans, and then finally the nail in the coffin game: for the first time in NBA-history (not related to lockouts), the league announced they were suspending play indefinitely, due to the virus. It’s the right move, but an unprecedented one. As of now, no one knows when, or if, the season will resume.

Some “experts” are tentatively hoping for April, but no one’s an expert in predicting how long the coronavirus will affect the NBA. And it’s not just pro basketball, but the entire sports world that’s been forced to hit the pause button due to this expanding global pandemic. No March Madness, this year it’s March Sadness in college basketball and in sports everywhere. It’s something that’s never been seen in sports globally, everyone simultaneously taking a break. Well, almost everyone. At the moment, NASCAR is the only sport in the U.S. that’s still running.

Houston finally snapped their losing streak, but how exactly does this extended hiatus effect the Houston Rockets? Well, the squad gets some much-needed rest. Coach Mike D’Antoni was wearing out guys like P.J. Tucker, James Harden, and Eric Gordon, who certainly needed a breather. And like all other 29 teams, the Rockets will experience an odd period without practice, that will certainly lead to rust. What about if this is the end? What’s the next chapter in Rockets basketball? Will Daryl Morey and Mike D’Antoni get axed like everyone expects? Or will owner Tilman Fertitta put some trust in Houston’s small-ball, and give the Rockets another chance at a full season in the Russell Westbrook era with this current Exec and Coach? Those are all answers that’ll be determined in the future.
For now, as the Rockets and everyone else await news on when play may resume, the team will have to get rest during this break, and hope that this season picks up again. Houston will be one of the beneficiaries of this hiatus. Unlike teams like the Lakers and Bucks, the Rockets were in the midst of one of their worst stretches of the season, and appeared out of gas. Other teams have to rebuild momentum when/if this campaign resumes… Houston just has to shake the rust off. And if the season never resumes? Well, the Rockets might have won their last game on Tuesday, but the day after, we all lost… beware the Ides of March, indeed.

Rockets Hunting for a Win as the Wolves Come to Town

Transitioning Back.    Ferrari Hunting.    Goodbye, Rocket-Bottom.

“There’s a point where everything fades. The machine becomes weightless. Just disappears. And all that’s left is a body moving through space and time… That’s where you meet it. It asks you a question, the only question that matters… who are you?” A quote from last year’s Best-Picture nominee Ford v. Ferrari, one that resonates with the recent play from the Houston Rockets. If that’s even who this team is… Who are these guys? These Rockets look as if they’re just moving through space and time… simply going through the motions. Over the last four games, they sure haven’t looked like the Rockets we saw over the first 59 games of the season. Lost, confused, out-of-it. Use any adjective you want, but these Rockets are struggling to reclaim their identity. They’re getting beaten inside, a product of the “small-ball” they say, but it wasn’t during their six-game winning streak that ended only a week ago with this same “small-ball” squad. Houston’s effort, energy, and drive has changed from a Ferrari to a Ford.

Eight days ago, the Rockets were inches from the second-seed in the West. Now they’re looking up from the sixth spot, even at Chris Paul, whose Thunder slipped past Houston into fifth. It’s been a transition that no one saw coming, but with the Rockets’ lack of effort and energy they’ve shown, especially to start these games during this slide, it’s not completely surprising. Most importantly, Houston has failed to get back on defense in transition, and it’s killed this team. They have to get transition back once the opponent gets the ball. Any team can make wide-open layups all night, and that’s what the Rockets are giving their opponents.

The Timberwolves come to town on Tuesday night as the squad will try and end their longest losing streak of the season. Robert Covington will take on his former team for the first time since being traded. This is another game the Rockets should win handily, but given their current stretch of confusion, who knows how the team will perform tonight. If losing to the Magic by 20 on Sunday wasn’t rock-bottom, then a loss to an even-worse Wolves team certainly will. The Rockets play the Lakers after tonight, and despite L.A.’s status as the top seed in the West, something about playing the Lakers brings out the best in Houston. If the Rockets can get off the schneid, and beat Minnesota, they have a chance to start a new streak, and say goodbye to Rocket-Bottom. With only 19 games remaining, Houston has their work cut out for them. After tonight, the schedule’s not exactly a cake-walk for the Rockets. There’s no more time for slippage. It’s time to get back into gear, and outrun teams like Houston’s small ball was built to do. Tonight expect the Rockets to morph from their average Ford… back into a Ferrari.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Minnesota Timberwolves (19-44):  Navy

Houston Rockets (39-24):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT- AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass

Disappearing Act: Rockets a No-Show in Embarrassing 126-106 Loss to Magic

Tragic Exposition.    Slipping out of Rhythm.    Searching for Answers.

They did it again. Only this time, with Russell Westbrook. The Rockets got blown out at home by the Magic, 126-106. It’s another embarrassing loss for the squad to another bad team. Houston’s fourth straight loss drops them to sixth in the standings. The team they shipped Chris Paul to, Oklahoma City, is now even ahead of the Rockets in the standings. Last Sunday, Houston was waking up after their sixth straight victory. They were on the cusp of the second seed, companied with murmurs of serious contention for a title. Now, after four straight losses in unprecedented fashion, the Rockets look lost. Neither James Harden nor Russell Westbrook managed to top even the 25-point mark, as Houston was bullied inside by Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic. Gordon finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while “Vooch” garnered 16 points and boards apiece. Orlando also had unexpected bursts from the perimeter. D.J. Augustin led the Magic with 24 points, and Markelle Fultz scored 18 in a better-than-normal outing. Jeff Green and DeMarre Carroll combined for 28 points and 7 boards for  the Rockets, but despite the newcomers efforts, Houston has a serious problem.

Something’s up with James Harden. The Beard has put on one of the worst stretches of his career during this losing streak. Houston’s former MVP is really missing Clint Capela right now. Robert Covington’s been better than expected, and the trade was the right move, but trading Capela hurt Harden’s game more than anyone else. The Beard’s in dire need of a dependable big man in the pick-and-roll, something Capela was outstanding at, especially his ability to finish Harden’s lobs. When the Beard’s a threat to lob it for an ‘oop, which happened frequently with Capela, he’s unstoppable. But when you remove that aspect, that capability of his passing game, when you remove that, you’re also cutting part of Harden’s game out of the picture. And with no big to effectively run the pick and roll with the Beard, that’s exactly what the Rockets have done.

As Houston searches for answers, they have another great chance for a win in their next game. They host Minnesota on Tuesday, the second-worst teams by record in the West. It’s essentially a must-win for the Rockets if they want any chance of home-court advantage. This is the easiest opponent Houston’s faced since the slide into obscurity began. The Rockets cannot afford let the streak continue, and fall at the hands of another below-average team. Not again.