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Rockets Storm Past Grizzlies, 120-118, to Win Fourth Straight

Comeback Kids.    Green Eruption.    Opening Prayer.

In a season full of exciting games, chock Houston’s third round against the Memphis Grizzlies to the list. After trailing for the majority of the contest, the Rockets faced a thirteen point deficit with around eight minutes left in the game. And as fans in H-Town have witnessed several times this season, the resilient Rockets showed up, as the squad rallied for an impressive 120-118 win over Memphis on Monday night at Toyota Center. Houston used a 23-7 run in the fourth quarter to rally for the victory.

As he continues to flourish and evolve into a star before our eyes, Jalen Green had arguably the best game of his career. Green scored 42 points on a ridiculously efficient 13-for-18 shooting performance, including the go-ahead layup in the final minute. Everyone keeps waiting for Green to finally reach a consistent All-Star playing level. And it appears Green may finally be knocking on the door of his potential. The Rockets are now 7-0 this season when Green scores at least 30 points, proving Houston is at their best when Green’s at his best.

In another starting nod, Amen Thompson once again excelled in his role. Twin registered 19 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His versatility on both ends of the court is an unmatched asset, one of the Rockets are fully utilizing. Houston is 8-1 this season with Thompson in the starting lineup. It will be difficult for Head Coach Ime Udoka to keep Twin out of the starting lineup if the squad ever regains full health. Tari Eason missed his eleventh straight game in the win. Jabari Smith Jr. will be back in a little under two months at the latest, but Eason’s injury is more concerning. After suffering a season-ending injury early last year, Houston is being extremely cautious with Eason to avoid that fate this season. But with each passing game, it appears this injury could be more seriously than the team’s coaches and trainers are making it appear.

Last year, the Rockets wouldn’t have won a game like Monday night’s thriller. They even committed the most turnovers they have all season, yet still squeaked by the Grizz for the win. And Houston will need Eason back if they want to truly contend come playoff time. Up next, the schedule toughens up as the Rockets hit the road for a tough back-to-back out West. Expect another exciting game for Houston, as the NBA’s hottest teams square off when the Rockets visits the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Rockets Return Home for Rematch with Grizzlies

Pit Stop.    Faster Rematch.    Clinching Chance.

After trudging through the inclement weather in Atlanta that postponed Saturday’s game against the Hawks, the Rockets return home for a rematch with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Houston won the previous matchup in their last game, a win over the Grizz in Memphis, 119-115, back on Thursday night. The Rockets have had three unexpected days off since that victory. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are coming off an impressive two-point road victory, 127-125, in Minnesota over the Timberwolves on Saturday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 33 points to lead the Grizz in that game, but Houston has managed to do a better defensive job on Jackson Jr. in their first two matchups.

Tonight’s game is a rare home game during this road-heavy stretch for the Rockets. Houston is coming off a perfect, yet brief, two-game road trip, and after this matchup with Memphis, the Rockets hit the road again for their next three games. Houston is 2-0 against Memphis so far this season, and with a win tonight, the Rockets can clinch the season-series. With a record of 25-14 the Grizzlies are still right behind Houston for the second spot in the crowded Western Conference. Boasting a 25-12 record, the Rockets can further distance themselves from Memphis with a win over then Grizz tonight.

In non-breaking news, Tari Eason is once again listed as doubtful for tonight’s contest, and will likely miss his eleventh straight game due to lower leg injury management. Regardless, the Rockets are playing solid basketball again, as the team enters Monday night’s showdown winners of three straight games. Jalen Green is playing some of the best basketball of his career lately, averaging 29 points per game over his last four outings. And Alperen Sengun dominated Memphis in the previous meeting, scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

Houston’s dynamic duo of Sengun and Green has outplayed Memphis’ dynamic duo, consisting of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., in both matchups this season. Hopefully, the Rockets didn’t lose any of their recent swagger since their last tilt, Thursday’s win in Memphis. Houston hasn’t had three days off in a while, and the Grizz are coming off a big road win, with revenge on their minds tonight. Expect another closely contested and physical battle between these divisional rivals as the Rockets aim to clinch the season series on against the Grizzlies on Monday night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (25-14):  White

Houston Rockets (25-12):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  NBA TV,  Space City Home Network

Rockets Tame Grizzlies, 119-115, in Memphis Slugfest

Beale Street Bruiser.    Sengun’s Stride.    Green Resurgence.

Walking in Memphis, down the corridors of FedExForum, always gives this Rockets team an added boost of motivation. It’s where one of their leaders, Dillon Brooks, used to play before he came to Houston at the start of last season. The Rockets always want to win for The Villain when they face the Grizzlies, especially in Memphis. And in a crucial game between two of the top three teams in the West, the Rockets escaped Memphis with a pivotal 119-115 victory on Thursday night. Houston led by as many as 17 points in the first half, but that led evaporated quickly, as the Grizz made this a very competitive contest down the stretch. Ja Morant led Memphis with 27 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s readiness.

The Rockets were ready to play from the opening tip on Thursday night. Houston scored a season-high 45 points in the first quarter, but this game slowed down into a bruising and brawling physical battle after halftime. In another dominant performance, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets in all three major stat categories in the win over Memphis. Sengun registered 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, as he continues to find his stride, playing at an All-Star level, with the midway point of the season on the horizon.

And Jalen Green continued his resurgence, scoring 27 points on an efficient 11-for-21 shooting from the floor. Green is averaging 29 points per game over his last four contests. And the Rockets are 6-0 this season when Green reaches the 30-point plateau. It’s only a small sample size, but the young star may starting to display the consistency Houston has been patiently waiting for from Green since they drafted him four years ago. If Green continues playing at an All-Star level, the Rockets are going to be contending sooner rather than later. His consistency is the element Houston’s coaching staff hasn’t been able to control, but if Green finally breaks through, the Rockets are going to keep surprising people.

Although, if Houston wants to seriously contend for a title, they’ll need to be fully healthy. Tari Eason missed his tenth straight game, as he continues to deal with lower leg injury management. Head Coach Ime Udoka has insisted it’s nothing serious, but with each passing game Eason misses, the concern only rises. The Rockets need both of their Terror Twins. Amen Thompson has been thriving, but mainly since Jabari Smith Jr. went down. Thompson still plays his best when Eason is on the court. And Houston is a completely different defensive beast with Eason in the lineup. Hopefully, he can return soon, as the Rockets schedule toughens up over the next two weeks.

Up next, Houston was supposed to face the Hawks on Saturday in Atlanta. However, that game was postponed due to icy conditions and inclement weather. So instead, the Rockets get an unexpected three days off before facing these same Grizzlies in a rematch back in Houston on Monday night. It’s a quick home stop during this road heavy stretch for the Rockets, but it gives the fans a chance to keep the squad motivated in what should be another bruising battle in H-Town. 

Rockets Travel to Memphis for Battle with Grizzlies

Evolving Rivalry.    Forecast: Green Skies.    Crucial Matchup.   

 

Eight games are on the NBA’s slate for Thursday night, but none with higher stakes than the matchup between the Rockets and Grizzlies in the Home of the Blues. Houston and Memphis are near the top of the Western Conference, with the second and third places in the standings, respectively. The winner of tonight’s tilt will hold sole possession of the second spot after the game. The Rockets won the first match between these divisional rivals. However, that was only the second game of the season, back in Houston last October. This Grizzlies team is a different animal compared to that first meeting between these foes.

Houston enters tonight winners of their last two games, and Memphis is coming off a win over the hobbled Dallas Mavericks in their last contest. Ja Morant, the Grizz superstar guard, didn’t play in their previous game, and enters tonight’s matchup with a questionable tag. Memphis still has plenty of other talented players. Jaren Jackson Jr. is coming off a 35-point, 13-rebound performance, and will be a focal point of Houston’s defense tonight.

Regardless if Morant plays or not, this Grizzlies team is tough to beat, especially at home. Memphis boasts the third best home record, at 15-4, in the entire league, behind only both conference leaders in the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Tonight’s matchup is the middle leg of a three-game road trip for the Rockets, who will return home to face these same Grizz once again in a mere four days. Dillon Brooks returns to face his former team for the first time this season. Expect The Villain to be charged up and motivated to beat his former squad once again. Brooks has only lost twice to the Grizzlies since being acquired by Houston. The Rockets have won four of the past five games overall, but none of that matters heading into tonight’s battle.

Thursday night’s tilt is arguably the biggest of the season so far for both teams, considering how close these squads are in the standings. Jalen Green has been on a tear recently for Houston, scoring 89 points over his last three games. The Rockets are hoping for another night of Green skies in the forecast if they want to come out on the victorious end of this battle. This Memphis team will be tough to beat if Green is having one of his quiet, single-digit scoring offensive performances. Expect this rivalry to be renewed tonight in the Home of the Blues, as two of the West’s best square-off in a crucial midseason matchup.

 

FedExForum:  Memphis, Tennessee

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (24-12):  Black

Memphis Grizzlies (24-13):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Roll Past Wizards, 135-112, to Start Road Trip

Dominant Thirds.    Making a Case.    Powering Through.

After a slow start to the first half, Houston entered halftime on a 7-0 run, building momentum into the break. And at the start of the second half, the Rockets blasted the game open in the third quarter, en route to a 135-112 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. Jalen Green tied his career-high for points in a quarter, as he scored 22 of his team-high 29 points in the third frame. Alperen Sengun scored 14 of his 26 points in the third period, as Houston turned a close game into a blowout in the nation’s capital to start their three game road trip. Fred VanVleet scored 19 points and dished out 12 assists. And Amen Thompson flourished once again in a starting role. Twin secured his second straight double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

As Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to miss at least a month, Thompson is making a very strong case to replace him in the starting lineup. Twin plays well when he comes off the bench, but as a starter Thompson is beginning to exhibit his full potential for the Rockets, especially over the last two games. Tari Eason remains out with his cautious leg injury management injury. And he’s expected to miss Houston’s next matchup as well, which would mark his eleventh straight game on the sidelines.

Speaking of the Rockets next game, the proceedings get much more difficult, as Houston will travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Thursday night. Memphis is currently just a half game back of Houston in the standings for second place in the Western Conference, with the winner of Thursday night’s matchup earning sole possession of the second spot in the West. The Rockets won the first matchup against the Grizz this campaign, but that was only the second game of the season, way back on October 25th in Houston. Memphis is a different animal, and will be much tougher to beat in their house.

Thankfully, the Rockets were able to take care of business in D.C. after a shaky first quarter that saw Houston dig themselves a ten-point hole. The Rockets were able to power through against a bad Wizards team, and eventually turned a competitive contest into a blowout in the second half. Houston needs to be prepared to start their next game more efficiently, as Memphis is a much better opponent compared to the squad the Rockets beat in the nation’s capitol.

Rockets Visit D.C. to Face Wizards as Road Stretch Begins

Long Road Ahead.    Worst of the Worst.    No Excuses.

The Rockets begin a road heavy stretch in the schedule starting with a Tuesday night tilt with the Washington Wizards in D.C. Houston is coming off a win over the Lakers on Sunday night that closed a five-game homestand. The Wizards have the worst record in the entire NBA. Washington has lost six of their last seven games, and trudges into tonight’s matchup with a 6-27 record on the season. The Rockets won the first matchup between these squads, back in November at Toyota Center. Houston shouldn’t have much trouble tonight D.C., as long as they don’t overlook these lowly Wizards.

Houston is currently in second place in the competitive Western Conference, with Memphis breathing right down their backs in third place. And the Grizzlies happen to be the Rockets next opponent following tonight’s game. That contest will have a lot more juice, but not if Houston can’t take care of business in the nation’s capital on Tuesday night. Washington still has talented players like Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, and Jonas Valanciunas, among others.
Tari Eason is expected to miss his tenth straight game tonight due to lower leg injury management. Regardless, the Rockets have no excuses losing to this bad Wizards team, even on the road. Washington is an embarrassment of a basketball team, but they still have professionals who can win if they’re given a chance. Houston needs to build an early lead, and put this game away early so they can get a little extra rest for their next matchup, a much important one with the Grizzlies. In the Rockets’ last contest, a win over the Lakers, Amen Thompson returned from a two-game suspension to have the best game of his career.

Tonight’s game is the first in a road-heavy stretch of the schedule for Houston. The Rockets will play thirteen of their next seventeen games on the road, including six of their next seven contests. Look for the Rockets’ young squad to take care of business tonight. Besides the Opening Night loss to the Charlotte Hornets, and the loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at home, Houston has avoided any defeats to any of the league’s bottom-dwellers. And Washington has been near the bottom of the standings for years now. Expect Ime Udoka to have his troops ready to beat the Wizards, as the Rockets’ road journey begins on Tuesday night, with a battle in the nation’s capitol.

 

Capitol One Arena:  Washington, D.C.

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (23-12):  White

Washington Wizards (6-27):  Blue

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Amen!: Rockets Edge Lakers, 119-115, to Close Homestand

Hanging On.    Prayer Answered.    Time to Pack.

After leading by as many as 22 points, the Rockets found themselves in another tight game in the closing minutes on Sunday night. Houston saw their deficit cut to three points, 118-115, with a few seconds left in the contest. And on the final play, Fred VanVleet stole the inbound pass, and nailed a free throw to secure a 119-115 win for the Rockets over the Lakers. Houston withstood strong games from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who helped fuel a late Lakers comeback attempt. James finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, another near triple-double for the 40-year old legend. Davis scored 30 points, grabbed 13 boards, and had 5 blocks. But the Rockets made sure to close this homestand with a win, and evaded the Lakers late rally.

Jalen Green scored 33 points on an efficient 12-for-24 shooting to lead Houston’s offense, and FVV added 15 points. But in this game, in his return from a two-game suspension, this was Amen Thompson’s night. Twin returned with dominant defense, and had arguably the best game of his young NBA career. Thompson finished with a season-high 23 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. The Rockets sorely missed Thompson against Boston, and they likely wouldn’t have beaten the Lakers without him. Amen answered Houston’s prayers against L.A., as Thompson was the MVP of Sunday night’s victory. Tari Eason once again sat out due to injury, marking the ninth straight he’s game missed due to lower leg injury management. Head Coach Ime Udoka keeps insisting the injury is nothing serious like last season. Hopefully Eason returns soon, as the Rockets begin a road-heavy stretch of the schedule coming up.

With the victory, Houston finished their homestand with a 2-3 record. Given the suspension to Twin, and the injuries, it’s a respectable record considering the opposing teams, although the Rockets would really love to especially have that Minnesota game back. That loss to the Wolves really stung. Houston will now pack their bags, as the Rockets play six of their next seven games on the road, and thirteen of their next seventeen matchups overall away from Toyota Center. First up, Houston gets what should be an easy start, as they visit Washington D.C. on Tuesday night to face the Wizards, who have the worst record in the entire league. After beating a Lakers team that can be explosive at times, the Rockets should have no trouble beating the Wizards in their next matchup, as the squad prepares to hit the road.

Rockets Battle LeBron’s Lakers in Home Stand Finale

Ageless King.    Twin’s Return.    Lasting Protection.

After hearing the news about Jabari Smith Jr.’s injury shortly before Friday’s game, optimism and positive notes have been harder to find in Houston’s locker room. And now, LeBron James and the streaking Lakers make their first visit to Toyota Center this season, as the Rockets prepare to close out their five-game homestand with an L.A. matchup on Sunday night. Despite turning 40 years old less than week ago, LeBron James is still dominating. The King has led the Lakers to seven wins over their last nine games, as L.A. has climbed up to the fourth position, right behind Houston in the crowded Western Conference. It’s beyond impressive that James can still have this dominant of an impact on the game at his age. And he’s on course to start in the All-Star game for the 21st straight time. The only time James didn’t receive All-Star starter accolades was back in his rookie season.

Good news for the Rockets, Amen Thompson will be making his return from a two-game suspension tonight. Thompson will be the primary defender on James. Expect Twin to give The King fits as Thompson continues to flourish in his sophomore season. Tari Eason is still questionable, but he will likely miss another game, his ninth straight. Expect more playing time for Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, Steven Adams, and Aaron Holiday. Look for Sengun to have a bounce back performance after a scoreless second half in Friday night’s loss to the Celtics.

Sunday night’s tilt is the finale of a five-game homestand for the Rockets. It’s Houston’s last chance to protect home court before a beginning a road-heavy stretch of the schedule. After tonight, the Rockets will play six of their next seven games on the road. Look for Thompson’s return to energize the Rockets in their first meeting with the Lakers this season. L.A. has been rolling, but this feels like a game Houston is due to win over a less-disciplined Lakers team, that is merely content to be in fourth place right now. It’s time for the Rockets to close this homestand with a win, which would give them a 2-3 mark over the tough five game period. As long as Houston refrains from taking their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter, expect the Rockets to beat the Lakers… and end this home-stand on a positive note.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Lakers (20-14):  Purple

Houston Rockets (22-12):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Short-Handed Rockets No Match for Celtics, Lose 109-86 in Blowout Fashion

Bugged Down.    Needing a Prayer.    Closing Soft.

Despite hanging around in the first half, Houston was no match for the defending champs, as the Rockets fell to the Celtics, 109-86, on Friday night. Houston received some very unfortunate news shortly before tip-off. Earlier that day at shootaround, Jabari Smith Jr. broke his left hand, and will be out 4-8 weeks. Bari had started every game of his career, and was beginning to find his shot after a slow shooting start to the season. So besides the Terror Twins, Smith Jr. was out against Boston, leaving the Houston with three key rotational pieces on the sidelines. And it seemingly happened in an instant. After remaining relatively healthy all season, the Rockets have been slammed by the injury bug, with their resilience facing a tough test in the next couple months with Bari’s absence. 

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 27 points, but he was only guy who seemed to pressure Boston. Alperen Sengun scored 14 points in the first half, but the Celtics adjusted their defense tremendously and held Sengun scoreless in the second half. This was the final game of Amen Thompson’s two-game suspension, and he was sorely missed against a dominant C’s team. The Rockets needed a prayer on Friday night to win, and Amen wasn’t available to answer the call.

After scoring 31 points in the first half, Houston managed to scored only 30 total points in the second half, including a dismal 14-point showing in the fourth quarter. The Rockets have struggled in fourth quarters for the majority of this season. Houston is one of the best first quarter teams in the league, but even against Dallas, the Rockets managed only 20 points in the final frame. Granted that game was already in Houston’s favor, but it would be nice to see the Rockets have a strong finish to a fourth quarter. They’ve managed it in a few comebacks earlier this season, but lately the squad’s been closing soft.

Up next, the Rockets wrap up their five game homestand as LeBron James and the Lakers make their visit to Houston this season. L.A. has been rolling lately, winners of seven of their past nine games, due mainly to the still-ageless (even at 40 years old), LeBron James. The Rockets have generally played well against the Lakers since Green and Sengun were drafted in 2021. And Houston will have a prayer answered as Thomson will make his return. Given Twin’s versatility on both ends of the floor, one could easily argue Thompson is the most valuable player on this team. Not the best. The most valuable. His intangibles and impact on both ends of the floor, in the halfcourt and transition, make Thompson a nightmare for opposing offenses and defenses on a nightly basis. And when LeBron tries to continue his hot streak, it will be Thompson who guards the King on the majority of possessions… lurking, smothering, hanging on his every move.

Rockets Host Celtics as the Champs Come to Town

Championship Test.    No Terror.    Big Question.

After snapping out of their brief two-game funk, the Rockets will face one of their toughest tests of the season on Friday night. The defending champion Boston Celtics come to town as Houston aims to beat Head Coach Ice Udoka’s former team from a few seasons ago. The Rockets are coming off a relatively easy win over the Mavs on Wednesday night. Tonight’s game is the second of a back-to-back for the Celtics, as Boston beat the Timberwolves, 118-115, in Minnesota last night. So Houston will at least have the rest and home-court advantage heading into this matchup. Jayson Tatum is off to another great start to the season. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are also lethal threats on the perimeter for Boston.

For only the second time all season, the Rockets will be without both of their “Terror Twins” in tonight’s game. Houston could really use the Twins against this very talented Celtics team that boasts a lot of depth on the perimeter. Amen Thompson will be serving the final part of his two-game suspension tonight, and Tari Eason will miss his eight straight game, and the tenth out of his last twelve matchups. Eason continues to deal with lower leg injury management, and as the coaching staff stresses the injury is nothing serious, the concern only grows the more time Eason remains out. The Rockets weren’t the same team after Eason suffered a season-ending injury about a quarter way through last year’s campaign. Hopefully, this injury is nothing serious, and Eason will be back soon. Houston needs him to beat the best teams like these Celtics.

Last year’s NBA Finals MVP and All-Star Jaylen Brown is questionable tonight for Boston. And it’s one of the biggest questions entering this matchup on Friday night. The Celtics are still deep enough to beat just about anyone without Brown, as they displayed in their victory in Minnesota last night. However, if Brown’s in the lineup, these wounded Rockets won’t have much of a chance to pull off the upset. Although, Houston always plays hard, The Rockets have really only suffered one blowout loss all season (in Oklahoma City to the Thunder). Ime Udoka will have his troops ready to face his former team tonight. Expect an exiting game tonight at Toyota Center. Houston should have enough weapons to at least make this matchup competitive… a win would be an added bonus for these Rockets, who will be playing the fourth leg of this five-game homestand tonight.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Boston Celtics (25-9):  White

Houston Rockets (22-11):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass