Category: Uncategorized

Rockets Edge Bulls, 117-114, for 6th Straight Win

Sixth Heaven.    Green Ascending.    Moving Up.

After a slow start, Houston used a dominant third quarter to take control of the game, as the Rockets beat the Bulls, 117-114, on Saturday night. After allowing Chicago to score 36 points in the second period, Houston trailed by five points at halftime. However, the Rockets buckled down defensively in the third period, as they allowed the Bulls to score only 18 points in the third quarter. The victory gives Houston their sixth straight, also marking their season-high for a winning streak.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points. Alperen Sengun score 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. And Fred VanVleet kept Houston within distance in the second quarter, scoring 18 of his 23 points in the second period. FVV truly has been a calming presence since his return to the lineup, and this was his best game in his third appearance since returning from an ankle injury. Coby White led the Bulls with 23 points, and Tre Jones added 19 for Chicago, but once the Rockets started rolling in the second half, the Bulls had no answers for a red-hot Houston team.

With this latest victory, Jalen Green has now scored at least 23 points in three straight games. This is after Green struggled to reach that mark in the previous five matches beforehand. It appears that Jalen is finally rounding into form, as only 14 games remain now in the regular season for the Rockets. And Houston needs the best version of Green if they want to reach their potential and goals come playoff time.

It’s looking like the fight for the second seed in the Western Conference will be a four-team battle. And after Saturday night’s win over the Bulls, the Rockets now boast a record of 43-25. Due to other results across the league, Houston has now leapfrogged three teams (the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies) to move from the fifth to the second spot in the West. So far, the Rockets own the tiebreaker with all three teams (with two games remaining against Denver and LA).

It will be tough, but Houston can certainly finish with the second seed if they continue playing strong basketball. Amen Thompson is also nearing a return, according to Head Coach Ime Udoka. Once Twin returns, the Rockets will be at full strength, and a very dangerous team for the rest of the league once the playoffs arrive.

Rockets Aim for Sixth Straight Win as Bulls Come to Town

Red Battle.    Hot Horns.    Final Grind.

The NBA’s reddest teams square off as the Houston Rockets host the Chicago Bulls for a Saturday night showdown. The Rockets are aiming for their sixth straight win tonight, while the Bulls are seeking their fifth consecutive victory. Chicago is the hottest team in the East besides the juggernaut that is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are currently riding an NBA season-high 16-game winning streak. One of Houston’s most impressive accomplishments this during this regular season was certainly sweeping the Cavs in consecutive games.

This Bulls team has undergone some sweeping changes over the past couple of seasons. Gone are the days of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan (both are ironically on the same team again, with the Sacramento Kings). Coby White has been on a tear for Chicago, scoring at least 20 points or more  in their last seven games. Besides, White, the Bulls have sharpshooting Kevin “Red Velvet” Huerter, big man Nikola Vucevic, and Zack Collins as their top option off the bench. Defensively, the Rockets also need to keep an eye on streaky guard Tre Jones.

Tonight also marks the final back-to-back of the season for Houston, as they’re coming off a 133-96 beatdown last night over their instate rivals, the Dallas Mavericks. Therefore, as it’s been protocol all season, Tari Eason and Steven Adams will likely sit this matchup out against Chicago for precautionary reasons due to injury management. The Rockets will be slightly undermanned, as Amen Thompson remains out with an injury, but Houston still has enough firepower to beat this Bulls team.

Expect a close game, as the Rockets still struggle on the second night of back-to-backs, and the Bulls have the rest advantage having not played since Thursday night. Hopefully Houston maintains the focus and consistency they’ve shown in all four quarters throughout this homestand against a Bulls team that’s better than any of the teams the Rockets have beaten so far during this stretch. After their win last night, Houston jumped from fifth to third place in the Western Conference. And the Rockets are still only one game in the loss column behind the Denver Nuggets for the second seed. Houston needs to continue taking care of business at home against inferior competition, and the Rockets could potentially own the second spot out West come season’s end.

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Chicago Bulls (28-38):  Black

Houston Rockets (42-25):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Punish Mavericks, 133-96, for Fifth Straight Win

Winning Time.    Glass Eaters.    Circling Around.

Houston led by two after the first quarter, but launched past Dallas over the final three frames, as the Rockets beat the Mavericks, 133-96, on Friday night. The win gives Houston their fifth straight, as the squad continues to roll during this homestand. Overall, this is the Rockets 42nd victory of the season, guaranteeing that Houston will own a winning record for the first time in five years. And with the dub, the Rockets take the season-series over the Mavs, 3-1, as these teams won’t meet again until next season (unless something odd happens and they end up meeting in the playoffs, which is very unlikely).

Tari Eason continues to play the best basketball of his young career. Eason scored a career-high 30 points on an extremely efficient 11-for-15 shooting from the floor. Jalen Green scored 29 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, and Alperen Sengun contributed 16 points and 15 boards in the win. Houston dominated the rebounding battle, tuning into complete glass-eaters. The Rockets nearly doubled-up the Mavs on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 67-34, a whopping plus 33 on the boards for Houston. The Rockets also nearly had twice as many assists as the Mavs. Houston had 27 assists to Dallas’ 14, as the Rockets kept the ball circling around and moving, resulting in efficient scoring opportunities.

Granted, this Dallas team was about as decimated due to injuries as any team Houston has played, or will play, this season. Still, it was nice to see the Rockets take care of business, and avoid divulging into bad habits of the past. Little-known Brandon Williams led the Mavs with 25 points off the bench, but Houston controlled this game from start to finish.  Before this home strech, every Rockets game seemed to be close, and go down to the wire. However,  during this homestand, Houston has comfortably been in control of every matchup, resulting in less-strenuous victories. 

Up next, the Rockets will play in this same building as they host the Chicago Bulls for the fifth leg of this six-game homestand tomorrow night. Chicago has won four straight games, so Houston will need to prepared on Saturday night against arguably the toughest opponent they’ll face during this season-high homestand. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard both remained out for the Mavs win, and won’t play tomorrow night either. The Rockets still have enough firepower to push the winning streak to six games, as they aim to sweep the Bulls on Saturday night, and keep the winning times rolling.

Rockets Host Hindered Mavericks in Texas Style Showdown

I-45 Finale.    The Leftovers.    Strive for Five.    

The Rockets welcome the ravaged Dallas Mavericks to town for a Friday night fight at Toyota Center. Tonight’s tilt marks the finale of the I-45 rivalry this season. The Rockets won the first two matchups, before falling to the Mavs in the previous meeting, the “Protest Game,” Dallas’ first home game since the Luka Doncic trade. This is the fourth leg of Houston’s season-long homestand, and the Rockets are seeking their fifth straight win in a row tonight. Houston is aiming to stay perfect on this homestand with a win over Dallas in the season-series finale.

Meanwhile, the Mavs are moving in the opposite direction. Dallas has lost six of their last seven games, and seven of their last nine overall. Since the trade that shocked the sports world on February 1st, affairs have gone from bad to worse in the Big D. In the previous meeting between these Texas foes, Anthony Davis suffered an  injury in the first half, and hasn’t played since. And a little over a week ago, Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending injury. The Mavs have slid from comfortably contending for playoff spot, to now clinging to tenth place in the West, hoping to sneak into the Play-In tournament.

Houston’s defense will need to key-in on Klay Thompson, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, and Spencer Dinwiddie among others. Regardless, the Rockets have no excuse to lose this matchup tonight. Houston is by far the superior basketball team, and the Rockets are trying to stay in the hunt for home-court advantage in the Western Conference. Other than Amen Thompson’s absence due to an ankle injury, Houston is fairly healthy entering tonight’s game.

During this current winning streak, the Rockets have won all their games in fairy comfortable fashion. Expect a closer game tonight, as Dallas is injury-riddled, and Houston could potentially sleepwalk into the opening tip. Hopefully, the Rockets can awake in time to put the Mavericks away, in what should be an exciting game on Friday night. This game also marks the first of two straight at Toyota Center, as the Rockets will host the Chicago Bulls in this same building tomorrow night. It’s been a while since Houston has had a close game, expect a tighter contest than expected when these Texas foes face off tonight, as the Rockets lengthy homestand continues.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (33-34):  White

Houston Rockets (41-25):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Burn Suns, 111-104, Win Fourth Straight

Poetry in Motion.    Launching Ahead.    Halfway Home.

Fueled by Jalen Green’s 29 points, the Rockets beat the Suns, 111-104, on Wednesday night. The victory is Houston’s fourth straight win overall, as the Rockets continue to roll as we wind down the final month of the season. Alperen Sengun scored 20 points and added 7 rebounds. Dillon Brooks stayed hot offensively, scoring 19 points on 8-for-14 shooting, whilst Tari Eason provided 15 points and 10 boards for Houston. And in his return, Fred VanVleet scored 10 points. More importantly, FVV kept the Rockets under control as Houston rolled to their fourth straight win. On defense, the Rockets held Phoenix’s Big Three in check. Bradley Beal led the Suns with an above-average game, scoring 25 points. However, Houston held the potent duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to only 19 points apiece.

In the second quarter, Steven Adams and Mason Plumlee got into a wrestling match of sorts, with both men hitting the ground with authority. Both players were ejected from the contest, but nothing egregious happened to warrant any future fines from the NBA. Sengun had arguably the best pass of this entire Rockets season. Late in the fourth quarter, Sengun had an incredible no-look behind-the-back dish to Tari Eason for the bucket. The Wizard’s had a few passes in that vein this season, but Wednesday night’s was the best so far… pure poetry in motion.

Houston is now halfway though their current six-game homestand, the longest of the season. The Rockets have taken care of business as they’ve built a four-game winning streak, and there’s no reason the squad shouldn’t continue the streak throughout this home stretch. The ravaged Dallas Mavericks, the consistently below-average Chicago Bulls, and the disappointing Cancun-bound Philadelphia 76ers are Houston’s remaining opponents on this home stand. And if they continue to beat the teams they’re supposed to, the Rockets have a chance to launch ahead in the standings, potentially even all the way back up to the second seed.

The playoff race is getting closer, as Houston is currently only one game in the loss column behind all three teams they’re chasing for the Western Conference’s second seed: the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers. And currently, the Rockets own the tiebreaker will all three of those teams. Houston still has remaining matchups with the Nuggets and Lakers to decide those tiebreakers, but the Rockets own the tiebreaker with Grizz, besting them in three out of four meetings this season.

Rockets Seek Fourth Straight Win, Battle with Desperate Suns

Third Leg.    Fred’s Return.    Future Ramifications.

The Rockets aim for their fourth straight win as they host the desperate Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Tonight’s tilt is the third leg of Houston’s current six game homestand, their longest of the season. The Rockets locked down the Orlando Magic, allowing a season-low in points allowed en route to a 97-84 win in their previous game. Houston is aiming to stay perfect on this homestand, and the Rockets are looking for their fourth consecutive win as approximately one month remains in the regular season.

Phoenix is coming off a tough two-point loss on the road, 120-118, at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Suns are currently in 11th place in the competitive Western Conference, on the outside, desperately looking to sneak into the Play-In tournament. At the tenth seed is the Dallas Mavericks, and given the Mavs recent implosion, Phoenix certainly still has a chance to sneak past Dallas.

Houston will still be without Amen Thompson for Wednesday night’s matchup. However, Fred VanVleet will make his return tonight after missing the last five games due to an ankle injury. Hopefully FVV avoids re-aggravating that ankle as he did in his initial return at the end of last month.

This matchup has future ramifications beyond just this season and these squad’s respective fights for playoff positioning. Due to past trades, the Rockets own the Suns first round pick in this upcoming draft. Houston can kill two birds with one stone by beating Phoenix tonight. A win will push the Suns further down into the draft lottery, and if they can’t climb out of the dark, the Rockets will own Phoenix’s pick in this summer’s draft.

Despite all the trade rumors and his team’s overall record, Kevin Durant is still one of the best offensive players in the world, and a nightmare for defenses. Houston’s defense will be extra-tested with thee heart and soul of their defense, Thompson, sidelined with an ankle injury. As with KD, his teammate Devin Booker can explode for 50 points or even more on any given night. Phoenix is the best team Houston will face during this home stretch of the schedule. Expect a close and competitive game at Toyota Center, as the Rockets aim for their fourth straight win on Wednesday night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (30-35):  Black

Houston Rockets (40-25):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Charm Magic, 97-84, for Third Straight Win

Amazing Adams.    Second Half Lockdown.    Double Big Dominance.

After holding onto a five-point lead at halftime, Houston allowed only 38 points in the second half, as the Rockets beat the Magic, 97-84, on Monday night. The victory gives Houston their third straight win, which is the squad’s longest winning streak since January, after the Rockets stumbled through a tough month of February. Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 20 points, one of five Houston players in double-figure scoring. In another double-double performance, Alperen Sengun contributed 14 points, 14 rebounds, along with 4 assists. Dillon Brooks stayed hot offensively, scoring 17 points, and Jalen Green added 15 points in the win.

After a rough start to the game, the Rockets ended the first quarter on a 13-0 run to take a four point lead after the first quarter. Houston used another dominant defensive third period, allowing the Magic to score only 16 points, to take control of the matchup. Paolo Banchero scored 25 points to lead the Magic, but Orlando never stood a chance against the Rockets. The Magic’s 84 points are the least amount of points Houston’s defense has allowed this entire season.

However, the story of this game was Steven Adams. The big man had his best game as member of the Rockets, as Adams scored 11 points and grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds. Sengun and Adams have been sharing court time in what has been dubbed the Double Big Lineup, and the unit has dominated. Sengun and Adams combined to grab a whopping 31 boards on Monday night. Expect to see more of this Double Big lineup, especially considering Amen Thompson is still expected to be sideline for potentially a couple of weeks.

The Rockets are now 33-7 this season when holding a lead entering the fourth quarter. Houston’s had several amazing comebacks this season, but when the Rockets can build a lead entering the final frame, they usually hang on to win the game. Houston will now continue their longest homestand of the season with a matchup with Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. The Rockets are 1-0 against the Suns this season, winning the lone matchup so far back in Houston, 119-112, on February 12th. Phoenix is desperately trying to claw back into the Play-In race. The Suns are currently in eleventh place in the Western Conference, on the outside looking in at being potential Play-In participants. The Rockets will aim for their fourth straight win, as Houston aims to climb higher up to the fourth, third, or even second seed in the West.

Rockets Aim for Third Straight Win as Magic Come to Town

Final First Look.    Filling Twin’s Void.    Questionable Point. 

The Houston Rockets aim for three straight wins as they host the Orlando Magic for a Monday night matchup. This is the first meeting this season between Houston and Orlando, the last team the Rockets have yet to play this season before tonight. After a 17-9 start to the season, the Magic have struggled, as they currently have losing record of 30-35. Orlando did lose their two best players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, to significant injuries earlier this season. So, that certainly played a major factor into their slide after an impressive 28-game start to their season. In their last game, the Magic snapped a five-game losing streak with an impressive, 111-109, win over the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday night.

Houston is coming off a 146-117 blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Entering tonight’s tilt, the Rockets need to disregard their opponent’s record and be ready to play against a tougher foe in this young and talented Orlando team. Banchero and Wagner are two of the best young and rising stars in the entire league. The Magic also have Wendell Carter Jr., among other players on their roster who could sneakily have a big game.

Amen Thompson is set to miss at least the next 10-14 days after suffering an ankle injury late in the squad’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. The Rockets will need more guys from the Stay Ready Crew to step up tonight, especially if Fred VanVleet remains sidelined. FVV is listed as questionable entering Monday night’s matchup. Regardless if he plays or not, Houston is playing at home, and the squad has enough weapons to beat Orlando.

Tonight is part two of the Rockets’ current season-high six game homestand. With a record of 21-10 at home, compared to 18-15 away from the Toyota Center, Houston should be ready to contend with the Magic in this tilt. Entering this matchup, the may be shorthanded, but Houston’s depth is one of their best assets. The Rockets have shown throughout this season they have a plethora of guys on their roster who can step up and fill key voids on any given night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Orlando Magic (30-35):  Black

Houston Rockets (39-25):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Blast Pelicans 146-117, to Begin Homestand

Balanced Attack.    Swept the Birds.    Lost Prayer.

Led by a balanced offensive attack, the Rockets demolished the Pelicans, 146-117, on Saturday night at Toyota Center. The win is Houston’s first dub to start this current season-high six game homestand, and the second victory in a row overall for the Rockets. Dillon Brooks was fantastic once again. Houston’s best three-point shooter connected on seven of his eleven attempts from downtown to score 27 points to lead the squad. The Rockets are now 7-2 this season when Brooks scores at least 20 points. Alperen Sengun added 20 points to the offensive explosion. And Aaron Holiday continues to be tremendous in limited minutes off the bench, as he added 20 points as well. Overall, the Rockets had seven players score at least a dozen points. Their 146-point outburst on Saturday night also makes a a season-high for points in game for Houston.

Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 20 points, but the Pelicans never threatened to make this contest competitive. The victory gives the Rockets a 4-0 season-sweep over the New Orleans Pelicans for only the second time in history, as these divisional foes usually concede a game or two to the other. This season, Houston took care of business against New Orleans, and the Rockets will look to do the same in their remaining five games of this homestand upcoming on the schedule.

Unfortunately, Houston suffered some bad news late in this matchup, as Amen Thompson suffered an ankle injury in garbage time, and headed straight to the locker room. Twin finished the night with 15 points, 11 assists, and 9 boards, only one rebound shy of a triple-double. Ime Udoka kept Thompson in the game to try and grab that last board, but the move backfired, as Twin went down and exited the contest. According to several reports, Thompson is expected to miss at least 10-14 days, and will be re-evaluated in one week. It’s severely tough news for a Rockets team that’s already missing their starting point guard, in Fred VanVleet. Thompson is also the defensive anchor of this Houston squad, and the only Rocket who can truly guard any position on the floor… his value is immeasurable. In many cases, Twin would fill in as that playmaker role for FVV. Moving forward, Houston will need other guys to step up, although VanVleet is supposed to be nearing a return to action on the court.

The Rockets will continue this six game homestand as they welcome the Orlando Magic to town for a Monday night matchup. Orlando is the lone team Houston has yet to face this season, as the Rockets will play the Magic once again in Florida in a little over a week. Houston may be short-handed against Orlando, but the Rockets still have enough firepower, and should be able to secure their third straight win on Monday night.

Rockets Face Pelicans in Rematch, Begin Longest Homestand

Part Two.    Sixth Heaven.    Home Savings.

 

Fresh off their first road win in over a month, the Rockets return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans for a rematch on Saturday night. This is the final matchup this season between these divisional foes, as Houston won the previous game, 109-97, on Thursday night. Tonight also marks the beginning of the longest home stretch of the entire season for the Rockets. Saturday’s night tilt against New Orleans is the first of six straight games at Toyota Center for Houston. And all six contests are very winnable matchups for the Rockets, with every opponent sporting a losing record on the season.

With a record of 38-25, Houston is still in fifth place in the crowded and competitive Western Conference. If the Rockets can take care of business over this homestand, they can potentially climb up all the way to the second seed. But if Houston plays down to their competition over this stretch, they could be in danger of slipping into the Play-In tournament. After tonight, the Rockets will face the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and then finally the disappointing Philadelphia 76ers. Given these opponents, there’s no reason Houston shouldn’t go 5-1 at the worst over this stretch.

Expect more of the same from a New Orleans squad getting closer and closer to vacation tonight. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and CJ McCollum will once again be the focal points of the defense for the Rockets in this game. But, as is the NBA, any player can bust out of nowhere to have a great game, and propel their team to an upset. So, Houston needs to remain focused as they return home.

The squad should squad to be energized as they commence a home stretch that could potentially define their season. Fred VanVleet will once again be sidelined tonight for the Rockets with his ankle injury. Luckily Houston’s upcoming schedule isn’t too challenging, but the Rockets will need their floor leader back for the playoffs, and hopefully sooner. Houston’s final five games in particular are brutally tough to end the campaign. For now, the Rockets will hope to build on what will be a long winning streak approaching the playoffs, as we enter the final month of the regular season.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

New Orleans Pelicans (17-46):  White

Houston Rockets (38-25):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass