Blog

Rockets Hoping to End the Misery, Invite Cavs to Town

Wall-In.    No Cavaliers.    3/4.

It’s been weeks of scary hours for the Rockets lately, and the NBA’s dumpster-fire that is the current situation in Houston, continues on Monday night, as the Rockets host the Cavs at Toyota Center. John Wall and co. will be looking to put an end to their 11-game losing streak tonight. Wall, who was questionable, considering tonight’s the second of a back-to-back, will give it a go. And if Wall’s in, Houston needs everyone to be all-in to break the skid tonight. Despite beating the Rockets in Cleveland last Wednesday, the Cavs aren’t world-beaters. Houston is more than capable of winning Monday night’s tilt and allowing their skid to rest in peace.

All it takes is effort. The Rockets were way too cavalier in the previous matchup between these teams. As long as Houston plays hard, brings the defensive intensity, and ferocious energy, they should win tonight. That is, if, and only if, the Rockets rediscover the art of making a three-pointer. After being a solid three-point shooting team to start the season, Houston is now the worst long-range shooting team in the NBA, and if the squad can start to knock down their open threes, it’ll be tough imagining the Rockets beating anyone anytime soon. Tonight’s their chance though. Something else entirely waits in their next matchup after tonight.

Monday night’s tussle with the Cavs is Houston’s third game in four nights, and the second of a back-to-back. Tired legs are expected, but the Rockets have to fight through, and play with some pride. These are grown, professional athletes. Even the most laissez-faire of players can’t put up with continuous losing. Hopefully, the squad’s as sick and tired of this sicking skid, and ready to put this nightmare behind them. They better be ready. Because on Wednesday, March 4th, Houston’s worst nightmare comes true. James Harden comes into town with the red-hot Nets, looking for revenge… and those just might be the scariest hours yet in Houston.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Cleveland Cavaliers (13-21):  White

Houston Rockets (11-21):  Red

 

TV:  8 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Joke City:  Losing Streak Hits 11 Games, as Grizzlies Embarrass Rockets, 133-84

Rocket Bottom.    Noladipo.    Looking Ahead.

If you thought matters couldn’t get much worse for the Houston Rockets, Sunday night showed a glimpse of what Rocket-Bottom feels like. Even if the squad continues to lose games, Sunday night’s embarrassing bow-down to Memphis feels different. In a game where Ja Morant scored only 6 points, the Griuzz gave the Rockets their worst loss since 1986, eating Houston alive, 133-84, extending the Rockets skid to 11 games. John Wall scored 14 points on torrid shooting. At one point Houston missed 25 consecutive threes. If this wasn’t the worst loss in franchise history, it’s certainly on the short list of contenders. A 49-point loss to a team with a then-losing record, throw in the fact Houston was at home, and it’s tough to throw this game aside. This one stings. As they say the truth hurts, and it appears the Rockets are headed for full-tank mode.

Victor Oladipo declined a 2-year, $45.2 million dollar extension from Houston, signaling he wants out of H-Town. Whether he gets dealt before the trade deadline, or the Rockets hold on to him for the rest of this season remains to be seen. Expect Oladipo, along with Tucker, to be dealt as the trade deadline approaches on March 25th. That leaves Houston with John Wall, Christian Wood (whenever he returns, hopefully after the All-Star break), Eric Gordon, and a young new core of supporting role players to try and rebuild a new era of Rockets basketball.

Despite the 11th straight loss, and the vibe surrounding the squad at the moment. All isn’t lost. Houston still has a chance to make the playoffs with more than half of the season still remaining. Obviously, they’ll have to improve their play on the court, but in a season with a lot of parity throughout the league, the Rockets still have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs if they can get back to the way they were playing before the skid. And hopefully, in terms of last night, Houston was just looking ahead. And they might be doing the same on Monday night, the second of a back-to-back, as on Wednesday, the game everyone’s been waiting for hits the bright lights. James Harden returns to Houston with his new team, the hot Brooklyn Nets, in what should be an emotional game to say the least. The Rockets still have one more game before they matchup against Harden for the first time since 2012. It would be great to get a win on Monday, otherwise #13 will be looking to give Houston their 13th consecutive loss. And knowing Harden, he’s also had Wednesday’s game circled on his calendar. And there’s nothing more the Beard would love to do than to put the dagger in the Rockets’ season, and really show them what rock-bottom feels like. But first, Houston hosts the Cavs on Monday night in hopes of avenging last Wednesday’s loss in Cleveland. A loss to the Cavs again, and the Rockets enter Wednesday’s Harden showdown with little confidence, and at the risk of officially hitting Rocket-Bottom.

Rockets Return Home Seeking to End Skid, Host Grizzlies

Hopeful Homestand.    Stopping Morant and Slow-Mo.    Another One.

The Rockets return to Houston, hoping a return to the friendly confines of Toyota Center will bring an end to their skid. Tonight, the Rockets face Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that’s just outside playoff contention in the West, and a threat to sneak into the postseason this year. Houston won the first meeting between these squads, 115-103, back on February 4th. The Rockets had Christian Wood in that game. The problem with tonight is Houston hasn’t been able to win since Wood sprained his ankle for the second time this season. And Wood will remain out until at least through the All-Star break. If the Rockets are going to grind out a gritty win over a team that plays its home games in “The Grindhouse”, they need contributions from everyone, and more effort on the defensive end. After being stellar defensively during their six-game win streak that came right before their current skid, Houston’s defense hasn’t been as sharp, and they’ll need a tough outing on that end off the floor to beat a promising Memphis team tonight.

Ja Morant is the Grizzlies best player, and one of the game’s best young point guards. The Rockets need to contain Ja, and keep him from having a monster performance. Houston also needs to slow down Kyle “Slow-Mo” Andersen, who’s quietly having the season of his career. And the Rockets will need to stop the force inside that is Jonas Valanciunas if they want any chance of ending the losing streak on Sunday night.

Tonight’s matchup is the first of yet another back-to-back for the Rockets. Meaning, probably either Victor Oladipo or John Wall won’t be playing tonight. And vice versa for tomorrow’s game against Cleveland. Houston has struggled on their back-to-backs, and need to start this one off with a bang. Get that bad taste of losing out of their mouths with a victory over a solid Grizzlies team. It’s not impossible, but if the Rockets don’t end their trend of falling behind  by double-figures… a return to the friendly confines of Toyota Center might not be so friendly after all.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (14-15):  Blue

Houston Rockets (11-20):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Sinking Ship:  Rockets Drop 10th Straight, Lose to Raptors, 122-111, in Tampa Bay

Groundhog Day.    Youth Movement.    Selling Mode.

Just like the previous nine games, Houston failed to claim a victory on Friday night, falling to the Raptors in Tampa Bay, 122-111, as the skid reaches ten games. The longest losing streak in franchise history in 20 years. And just like many of the games during this streak, Houston fell behind early, tried to mount a comeback, but came up on the short end of the stick. John Wall had 21 points and 12 dimes for the Rockets, and Victor Oladipo was solid with 27 points, but Houston didn’t have enough firepower to match Toronto’s arsenal. Normal Powell had one of his best games of the season, leading the Raptors with 30 points. Fred VanVleet added 25 points, and Kyle Lowry had  20-point triple double. Toronto’s triple-headed backcourt monster simply outplayed Houston’s (Wall, Oladipo, Gordon). The Rockets will have to be better next game against a weaker Grizzlies team.

The youth movement has officially arrived in Houston. It was announced that Kevin Porter Jr. and K.J. Martin and both expected to rejoin the squad after they finish up their time in the G-League. Both have looked spectacular, especially Porter, for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but they have a ways to go before making a major impact on the NBA-level. Hopefully they can mature sooner than possible. Right now, the Rockets need all the help they can muster.

Friday’s loss drops Houston to 11-20, 14th in the Western Conference, and despite being only 5 games out of a playoff spot, the Rockets are approaching selling mode. Waiving DeMarcus Cousins was the latest sign, and more could come sooner than expected. The P.J. Tucker and Victor Oladipo trade rumors are getting hotter and trendier with each passing day. It’ll be sad to see P.J. go, especially after all he’s done the last 3 and half seasons for the Rockets. Hopefully, they find a way to keep him, but that’s wishful thinking. Tucker’s time in Houston is likely nearing its end. And despite their record, the season’s not over yet for the Rockets. However, all it takes is a few more losses piled onto this streak, and Houston will end their season themselves.

Rockets Travel to Tampa Bay, Aim to Hunt Upstart Raptors

Dinosaur Relocation.    Avoiding the Dreaded Ten.    Backcourt Firepower.

Houston tries to put an end to their dead-streak, a season-high nine straight losses, as they travel to Tampa Bay to face the Toronto Raptors. Due to coronavirus, Toronto was forced to play their home games in Tampa Bay this season, as Canadian officials wouldn’t allow the team to stay up north, keeping the NBA, and the risk of spreading the virus that comes with the league, out of the country. The Raptors have lost two straight, but before that were rolling after a slow start to the season. Toronto now finds themselves in the thick of the playoff race out East.

The Rockets are still without Christian Wood, but hopefully Victor Oladipo’s improved play in the previous game will carry over, and give John Wall and Eric Gordon, the mainstays who have carried the offensive load for Houston, some help. This game won’t be much different from the previous nine. The Rockets can win if they play hard enough and smart enough. They can also get blown out, as we’ve witnessed almost nine times in a row.

Tonight’s game comes down to a battle of backcourts, as Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and Norman Powell form the Raptors’ triple threat on the perimeter. Powell and VanVleet are having breakout seasons, and Lowry is still playing at an All-Star caliber level. Wall, Gordon, and Oladipo will have to be the better trio if Houston wants to escape the Bay with a victory on Friday night. The squad’s not quite dead yet. However, another loss, and pushing the skid to double figures, would almost seemingly kill the spirit of a team… especially one fighting to stay alive for playoff contention.

 

Amalie Arena:  Tampa Bay, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-19):  White

Toronto Raptors (16-17):  Red

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Way Too Cavalier:  Rockets Self-Destruct in Third Quarter, Fall to Cavs, 112-96, for 9th Straight Loss

Sized Up.    9 Lives.    Rewriting the Script.

In their first game since parting ways with center DeMarcus Cousins, the Rockets immediately felt sized-up. Cleveland’s Jarret Allen dominated with 26 points and 18 boards, as the Rockets had no answer for the Cavs’ big man of the future. John Wall scored 20 points to lead Houston, and Eric Gordon and Victor Oladipo each chipped in 17 a pair, but the Rockets were dominated in the paint, in a game they could’ve won. Houston led at the half, but a disastrous third quarter let the game get out of reach, as the Cavs cruised to a 112-96 victory in the final period. The loss is the Rockets’ ninth in a row, a league-high. Houston can only hope Christian Wood returns as soon as possible, or it may be time to seriously embrace the tank, as getting a top-4 pick in this year’s draft seems more and more possible with each loss.

Comparable to the losses during this skid, the Rockets started this game down double-figures, trailing by 10 points after the first quarter. But, the squad regrouped, and entered the half with a 2-point lead. Too bad they couldn’t come out with the same energy, as a miserable third quarter put this game in the losing column for Houston. If they had nine lives, the Rockets have used all of them. Any more losses, and this season will evolve into a preparatory session for next season. 

It continues to appear that the Rockets have hit rock bottom, but as the skid grows longer, we’ll never really know when they’ve hit their low point, until this squad can string four quarters together for a win. This latest loss to the Cavs could, and should, be rock bottom, but the schedule gets tougher, with games coming up against teams intent on making the playoffs, the Raptors and the Grizzlies. Hopefully, the squad can end the misery and secure a victory for some pride. Losing streaks are embarrassing. Double-digit losing streaks are historically embarrassing. Houston looks to get off the wrong side of history as they continue their road trip to a place they usually don’t part ways for during the season: Tampa Bay, the Raptors home for this season.

Rockets Hit Cleveland to Fight Cavaliers, Praying to End Skid

A Tale of Two Cities.    No Time to Lose.    Last Chance.

“The world is arming faster than we can respond,” M says in Daniel Craig’s final bow as 007 in this fall’s upcoming masterpiece, No Time to Die. And as the Rockets take on a Cavaliers team that’s been one of the worst since LeBron James left, Hosuton’s last chance to save their season is tonight. A loss to the lowly Cavs, and at 11-19 through 30 games, the Rockets may as well go for tanking with 42 games left. If Christian Wood, John Wall, and Victor Oladipo are never going to see the court together, Houston’s chances this season are already dead. Ironically when the WOW Factor all play together (Wood, Oladipo, and Wall), the Rockets are undefeated, at 3-0. Sure, a small sample size, but it’s just a taste of what the squad’s potential could be if they could only assemble a full roster on the court. But in today’s day and age of resting on back-to-backs, and the coronavirus still hanging over the season, this year is the hardest in NBA history for any team to keep its full roster in tact. Houston with more injuries than the average team this season (like usual), is feeling the worst of this oddest of NBA seasons. The Rockets will try and snap their 8-game losing streak tonight in Cleveland, a game they’re more than capable of winning.

And Houston needs a victory tonight. A loss to Cleveland sports in general is embarrassing. Houston used to be a competitive sports team. And seemingly overnight, they’ve gone into full-rebuild mode with their pro sports teams. Especially, these Rockets, and everyone in the sports world has heard about the burning building set on fire by a preacher, the location known as the Houston Texans headquarters. The Rockets, fortunately, are in a better position than the Texans, but if they want any chance at sneaking into a playoff spot, they have to win tonight. It’s the 30th game of the season. Against another bad team. Although Cleveland getting better with their upstart backcourt, nicknamed “Sexland”, with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland leading the charge for the Cavs as one of the best young backcourts in the league.

The Rockets are going to need a bug game from John Wall if Houston wants to finally get a win on the board. Hopefully Wall’s driven enough to take these youngsters to school, and have a dominant performance, but if he doesn’t get help from teammates, particularly knocking down shots, and hustle, Houston will be in trouble. In Cleveland of all places. I didn’t think I’d say that for a long time. But time passes quicker with each day. And the NBA is armed up, loaded with teams primed with potential for bright futures. Most teams in the league are revving up, and getting better. Even the Knicks. There’s no more time to lose. The season’s on the line tonight… it’s time for the Rockets to respond.

 

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse:  Cleveland, Ohio

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-18):  White

Cleveland Cavaliers (11-21):  Maroon

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Fateful Eight:  Rockets Thrashed by Bulls, 120-100, as Losing Streak Continues

Sliding On.    Franchise of Years’ Past.    Embrace the Tank.

“It’s a pride thing. It’s a togetherness thing,” Houston Coach Stephen Silas said after the Rockets eighth straight loss, in blowout fashion, to the lowly Chicago Bulls. If you thought Houston hit rock bottom earlier in the season. This game cemented that position. As the slide continues and the Rockets continue to get blown out by bad teams, and with a record of 11-18, the season is simply a lost cause. Coby White led the Bulls with 24 points, and Zach LaVine scored 21, as another undermanned Houston team simply didn’t have enough firepower, falling to Chicago 120-100. David Nwaba led the Rockets with 22 points and 9 boards, but without Oladipo, Wood, Cousins, the squad simply is severely undermanned on nightly basis to compete at a high level. Injuries are a part of the business. And the Rockets got dealt the worst of hand this season.

The current eight-game skid is the longest in Rockets history since the 1999/2000 season, when Steve Francis, aka “The Franchise” was in his second year hoping to be the franchise player he never quite turned out to be. That season the Houston lost 15 games straight, in the season where everyone got sick (Francis had Meniere’s disease. This sounds eerily familiar. In a season where the Rockets have players out with injury, health and safety protocols, and rest, 2000 was the beginning of a rebuild for Houston, and it looks like 2021 is turning out to be the same.

So Rockets fans, embrace the tank. Hopefully the squad is torrid enough, and can somehow snag a lottery pick if it’s a top-4 pick this upcoming draft. Meaning if they finish with one of the four worst records, they’ll have a chance. And embrace P.J. Tucker. Houston’s going back to a small-ball lineup with Tucker at center since DeMarcus Cousins was released. And it’s a sign that P.J. might be the next to go. The Rockets are obviously fully committed to the rebuild. And Tucker deserves a chance at a ring. Houston owes him that for all the hustle, passion, and grit he provided every night as a Rocket. Hopefully, Tucker stays, the team magically turns this season around, and Christian Wood’s return boosts them into a playoff spot. But at the moment, that seems highly unlikely. Houston’s not together as a unit. The surprising Cousins ditch was the final sign the front office is giving up on this season. But, as a group of mainly, young, gritty, hard-working players… the Rockets can’t afford to lose their pride. Up next is the Cleveland Cavaliers. And another blowout loss on Wednesday could signify Houston doesn’t have any pride left. Hopefully they can come together, and try and save their season. With each loss, the Rockets are nearing elimination, even though it’s not even halfway through the season yet. Houston’s dug themselves too deep a hole… one they won’t be able to climb out of together.

Rockets Host Bulls After Weekend Delays

Needed Break.    Boogie Down.    Back to Work.    

Sometimes all you need to get back on track is a break. And the Houston Rockets got an unexpected one this weekend as both of their home games against Dallas and Indiana were postponed due to the inclement weather that hit Texas earlier this week. Hopefully, a little time-off can get the squad back on track. The Rockets host the Bulls tonight, as they try to get revenge for their loss in Chicago earlier this season in Victor Oladipo’s debut. Oladipo will remain out of the lineup tonight, along with Christian Wood, who’s still nursing that ankle injury. And DeMarcus Cousins, after some unexpected news, won’t be playing, and soon won’t be a member of the roster.

It was announced that Boogie and Houston have decided to part ways. Although it’s only a rumor at this point, all signs point to the Rockets releasing Cousins in a matter of days. Houston extended his contract to show respect to the veteran. And Boogie wasn’t a bad fit with the Rockets, Houston is just clearly looking towards rebuilding mode. Cousins is nearing the end of his career, and he wants to chase a title before his playing window has closed. What does this all mean? Well, basically the Rockets need a big-man. A back-up of some sort who can do damage and protect the paint when Wood is absent. Look for Houston to sign another big man soon, after the Cousins announcement is made official.

As mentioned earlier, the Rockets lost the first matchup with the Bulls this season, which took place in Chicago. Maybe the friendly confines, and a little break for this wounded Houston team can get the Rockets back on track. The Bulls aren’t world-beaters. It’s not an impossible assumption to think Houston can win tonight. And the Rockets would love nothing more to put an end to their torrid seven-game losing streak. We’ll find out if they can accomplish that tonight against Chicago.. maybe all the squad needed was a little break.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Chicago Bulls (13-16):  White

Houston Rockets (11-17):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Another Sin:  Losing Streak Hits Seven, as Rockets’ Rally in Philly Falls Short, Cave to Sixers, 118-113

Lost Season.    Assembling Parts.    Needed Break.

Even without their All-Star point guard Ben Simmons, Philly had plenty enough firepower to dismantle a crumbling Houston team, as the Sixers beat the Rockets 118-113 on Wednesday night. Houston simply can’t be a competitive team until their franchise player, Christian Wood, returns from injury. Joel Embiid dominated a weak Houston frontcourt, and the final score was nowhere indicative of this game’s competitiveness. Philly dominated from start to fijnish, as most teams have during the longest losing streak in Rockets history in a long time. Hopefully, the skid will end soon.

Houston caught a lucky break, as their weekend back-to-back with the Mavericks and Pacers was postponed, due tom the inclement weather and winter storm that grid-locked Texas this week. The Rockets should be back in action on Monday night against a Bulls team, where Houston will be looking to avenge an earlier season loss in Victor Oladipo’s stellar Rockets’ debut.

For now, the team has to hope this added time off can get guys healthy, and the squad can get closer to a clean bill of health. With a clean slate and no injuries… the sky’s truly the limit for Houston. But without a full roster… the Rockets will continue to crumble until the season ends.