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Rockets Open Season in Orlando, Matchup with the Magic

First Look.    Magical Beginning.    Third Time’s the Charm.

Teams never truly know when they’re beginning the start of a dream season. And tonight, the Houston Rockets kick off their season with a trip to Disney World to take on the Orlando Magic. Tonight’s officially marks the beginning of the Ime Udoka era in Houston. The Rockets endured three tough seasons under his predecessor, Stephen Silas, as the squad won only 59 games combined in three seasons. As we get a first look as these new look Rockets tonight, expect them to be better defensively, and to lessen their turnovers compared to the last few seasons. It’s the first game of the season, so everyone is rusty entering a new campaign. Anything could happen tonight.

Luckily for Houston, their opponent tonight isn’t an expected playoff contender. The Orlando Magic finished 34-48 last season, and they have a nice young squad, but are likely a few years, and players, away from playoff contention. The Rockets have the more talented squad, but there could be some growing pains as Houston adjusts to Ime Udoka’s system in the game one of the season. Hopefully, the Rockets can replicate their play in the preseason, where they had great success going 4-1, and defeat a very beatable Magic team tonight in Orlando.

The Magic’s biggest threats lie in third year player Paolo Banchero, who was the first pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the year Houston selected Jalen Green third overall. The two will square off as opponents early on as both players look to have breakout seasons. Expect Green to be more aggressive on the offensive end to start this season. Green’s put on some muscle in the offseason, and he should be able to adjust more contact from the opposition as he attacks the rim. Besides Banchero, keep an eye out for Franz Wagner, the guard/forward is a versatile and skilled offensive player who can sneakily put up points quickly. Tonight’s matchup is a toss-up, featuring a battle of two of the league’s youngest teams. Despite the fact the result could end in either fashion, expect the Rockets to look like the hungrier team as we begin the 2023/2024 season in Orlando, home of Disney World… where dreams come true.

 

Amway Center:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (0-0):  Red

Orlando Magic (0-0):  Blue

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Crystal Ballers: A Nudoka Era Begins – Houston Rockets 2023/2024 Season Preview

The New Batch.    Prime Position.    Liftoff.

“The world is changing, reforming. This is your moment,” a quote from this past summer’s Blockbuster film, Oppenheimer. Those words also accurately describe the situation the Houston Rockets face as they enter the upcoming 2023/2024 NBA season. A lot has changed for this Rockets’ squad, as well as for the NBA overall. The Rockets have a new Head Coach, Ime Udoka, and an array of new players, featuring a mix of veterans sprinkled with a couple of solid draft picks. A new moment begins in Rockets basketball, and Houston has a chance to make serious improvement from what has been a tough past three seasons for the Rockets.

In the NBA, change is happening as well. This is the first season the NBA will have an In-Season Tournament. The tourney lasts from November to early December, with the matchups being counted as regular season games for each team. This season also marks the beginning of the Victor Wembanyama Era, The first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs is the most hyped NBA prospect since LeBron James, who is entering his 21st season, still playing at an incredible level for someone approaching age 39 in this league. The biggest move of the NBA’s offseason saw the Milwaukee Bucks acquire superstar Damian Lillard from the Portland Trailblazers. Other changes in the league include Chris Paul now playing for the Golden State Warriors, and Bradley Beal joined the Phoenix Suns. Houston had a few changes of their own, that should help cement an easy transition into the second phase of their rebuilding. After finishing the last three seasons with win totals of 17, 20, and 22, the Rockets knew they needed to make a change at the coaching position. And they found  a gem of a young coach in Ime Udoka. Houston’s newest coach took the Boston Celtics to the Finals in 2022, and has a reputation for developing young players and getting the most out of his talent. Udoka’s presence should allow Jalen Green to blossom into a potential All-Star as he begins his third NBA season. Look for the Rockets to be a much better defensive and disciplined team. Gone are the days of consistent losses by more than 20 points. Expect Houston to be competitive in most matchups they play this season. Former Head Coach Stephen Silas was a little too easy-going and didn’t command the locker room the way Udoka already seems to have. The pre-season saw the Rockets go 4-1, and although it means nothing when it comes to the regular season, Houston already looks like a much better defensive team. A lot of that has to do with the Rockets’ new batch of players they added to the roster in the offseason.

Beginning with the NBA Draft in June, Houston selected Amen Thompson, from the G-League, with 4th overall pick., The Rockets then snagged arguably the steal of the draft, in Cam Whitmore, from Villanova, with the 20th overall selection. Whitmore was MVP of the NBA Summer League, and has an NBA-ready body physically. The Villanova product appears ready to contribute right away for Houston. As for Amen Thompson, he’s shown flashes of the versatile player can become in the pre-season. Once the season begins, Thompson may have an adjustment period transitioning to the physicality of the NBA. However, under the guidance of Ime Udoka, Thompson is talented enough to show his doubters on the court why he deserved to be selected so high in the draft.

Houston’s biggest offseason acquisition was Fred VanVleet. The Rockets acquired the point guard from the Toronto Raptors, and FVV is the perfect veteran to guide a Houston team with a vast amount of young wing players. Dillon Brooks was also acquired by the Rockets in the offseason, from the Memphis Grizzlies. Brooks has a reputation of being sort of a Detroit Pistons-esque “bad-boy”, but he’s someone who draws comparisons to former Rocket Patrick Beverly: a guy you can’t stand if he’s not if you’re playing against him, but when he’s on your team, you love him. Brooks is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and should be a pest to opponents on a nightly basis. The Rockets also acquired Jock Landale, from the Phoenix Suns, and Jeff Green, from the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Uncle Jeff has played in Houston before, and his veteran leadership will be key in the locker room, especially coming off a championship with Denver. Reggie Bullock Jr., Aaron Holiday, and Victor Oladipo also joined the Rockets in the offseason as Houston enters a season with a different feeling compared to the past three years.

This feels like the first time in three years that the Rockets have a chance to put a relatively competitive basketball team on the court. With a new Head Coach at the reigns with proven experience, and an array of new talent, the only direction for this Houston squad to head is up. And after being one of the youngest teams in the NBA for the past three seasons, the Rockets average age this season is 25.9, which puts them right outside the top 10 in the league. Houston is in prime position to make a leap in the standings with their combination of savvy veterans and upstart-rookies. Expect the Rockets starting lineup to consist of: Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Houston has a much deeper rotation this season, and it will be intriguing to witness how new Head Coach Ime Udoka uses this versatile group of players.

Liftoff is the Houston Rockets “motto” or “slogan” this season, and it’s quite appropriate. This young Houston team is ready to liftoff from the bottom cellar of the NBA standings, and contend for a playoff spot this season. With a new coach specializing in improving the development of young players, the Rockets are poised to a least challenge for a Play-In spot this season. After three years of disastrous blowout after blowout, it’s refreshing to enter a new season with genuine hope and promise for the future. It’s important that Houston gets off to a strong start to the season. Three of the Rockets first four games are against teams that finished near the bottom of the standings last season: Orlando, San Antonio, and Charlotte. The other game is Houston’s home opener, which should be a stronger test as they host the Golden State Warriors. Regardless, it’s key Houston takes advantage of this easy portion to start the season. The squad’s goal should be to start the season 3-1, giving this young team confidence and momentum for the rest of the year. It’s a long season with 82 games over the span of several months. But these first four games feel more crucial than a usual four-game span to start a season. The Rockets have a real opportunity to liftoff and show the rest of the league the future is now in Houston… this is their moment.

Rockets Host Nuggets in First Home Game After Break

Finally Home.    No Joke.    Patiently Waiting.

The Rockets play their first home game in 20 days on Tuesday night, as they host the Denver Nuggets. Denver boasts the best record in the Western Conference, and is a legitimate title contender this season. They’re led by the reigning two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, who looks poised to win the award once again this season.

This is going to be a tough matchup for Aleperen Sengun and the Rockets. Houston’s still minus their starting backcourt in Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., although Coach Stephen Silas said they should be returning soon.

For now, look for KJ Martin and Aleperen Sengun to lead the squad and do most of the damage for the Rockets until the anticipated reinforcements arrive. It won’t be easy to snap their nine-game losing streak against this Denver team, but if the Rockets start hot, they might catch the Nuggets sleeping, and could potentially pull off a huge upset.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Denver Nuggets (43-19):  White

Houston Rockets (13-47):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Dame Time:  Lillard Explodes for 71 Points, as Rockets Lose to Blazers, 131-114

Dame’s Game.    Tough Loss.    Home Cooking Awaits.

Damian Lillard put on a performance for the ages, scoring 71 points, as the Trail Blazers fended off the Rockets, 131-114, on Sunday night. The loss is Houston’s ninth straight overall. The squad fought back from a 23-point deficit to cut the game to within five points, but this matchup simply featured too much Damian Lillard. “Logo Lillard” was on fire from the start. He scored 41 points in the first half en route to tying the NBA’s season high with 71 points, a mark Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell also achieved earlier this season.

Alperen Sengun and Jae’Sean Tate scored 17 points apiece to lead the Rockets. The squad now finally returns home for a two straight matchups on Tuesday and Wednesday against the West’s top teams in the Nuggets and Grizzlies.

Houston hasn’t played a home game since February 8th. Maybe a return to Toyota Center can inspire the squad to snap the losing streak this week.

Rockets Face Blazers in Final Game of Road Trip

Final Stop.    Wrong Time.    Coming Together.

The Houston Rockets battle well-versed Rocket-killer Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. It’s the final game of a five-game road-trip for the Rockets. Containing Lillard is a key to beating Portland, as always when facing the Blazers. Dame has had some big games against Houston in his career, even ending their season in the postseason once last decade.

Unfortunately, the Rockets are facing Lillard at the wrong time. He didn’t play in Portland’s previous game, due to rest – initiated by weather delays which caused his team to arrive late to their previous game. So, this is Lillard’s first game after the All-Star Break, fresh off winning the NBA’s Three-Point Competition.
Houston will need to come together as a unit, and put on the best defensive effort all season if they want any chance to upset the Blazers tonight.

 

Moda Center:  Portland, Oregon

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-46):  Red

Portland Trail Blazers (29-30):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  8:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Can’t Contain Thompson, Fall 116-101 to Warriors

Rough Start.    Splashin’ Again.    One More Stop.

Houston got off to a rough start, and couldn’t stop Klay Thompson, as his 42 points propelled the Warriors past the Rockets, 116-101, on Friday night. KJ Martin led Houston with 22 points, as he continues to excel and evolve into the most consistent Rocket this season. Other than KJ, Houston didn’t have many bright spots. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. returns are both on the horizon, but neither played in the Bay Area, and it showed against the Warriors’ lethal guards.

One more stop remains on this road trip for the Rockets, who haven’t played a home game since February 8th. They’ll travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Sunday night in the finale of this five game All-Star road-trip.

Rockets Visit Warriors to Begin Post-All-Star Stretch

Season Reboot.    The Spoilers.    Stretch 24.    

The Rockets begin the final stretch of the season with a matchup against the defending champion Golden State Warriors. The Dubs are still missing Stephen Curry, but have plenty of other firepower on their roster. Houston will aim to keep Golden State from reaching the .500 mark, as the Warriors are currently 29-30 on the season. For the Rockets, they will be playing the role of spoiler in most of their remaining 24 games of the season. Houston has no chance to make the playoffs, and will be facing playoff or potential playoff teams for the rest of the season, as the majority of the league (25 out of 30 teams still have realistic shot at making the playoffs/play-in tournament).

The squad will still be without Jalen Green tonight, as he suffered an injury in the final game before the break in OKC. The Rockets are also still without Kevin Porter Jr., although Coach Stephen Silas said he’s nearing a return to action. For now, the Rockets will have to upset the Warriors with the guys they have on their roster. The season reboot is here.. can the Rockets make the final stretch a little more interesting? Tune in to watch the squad battle their former arch-enemies in the Bay Area tonight.

 

Chase Center:  San Francisco, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-45):  White

Golden State Warriors (29-30):  Blue

 

Tip-Off:  9:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Blown Out by Thunder, 133-96, in Final Game Before Break

Thundercrushed.    No Chance.    Much-Needed Intermission.

From the opening tip, it was evident this young Rockets team was focused on their upcoming break. They didn’t stand much of a chance against the Thunder on Wednesday night. OKC raced out to an early lead, and blew out Houston, 133-96, in the final game before All-Star Break. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points to lead OKC. The Rockets didn’t have a player score more than 15 points, as Jabari Smith Jr. led the team with that mark.

Houston now gets a much-needed break. After two tough close losses, the Rockets have lost these last pair of games in blowout fashion. It’s time for the group to re-group, and get ready for the final stretch of the season.

Only 24 games remain, and the Rockets will be playing the role of spoiler for the remainder of the campaign. For now, the team needs to have a safe, well-rested break, and hopefully those participating in events at All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City (Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, KJ Martin) will enjoy the festivities.

Rockets Battle Thunder in Final Game Before Break

Stopping SGA.    For the Win.    Last Stop.

The Houston Rockets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder for their final matchup before the NBA’s All-Star Break. Houston won’t play again after tonight until February 24th in the Bay Area. The Rockets are 2-1 against OKC this season, and they’ll try and win the season series with a victory tonight. In order to accomplish this, they’ll have to contain Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA is having breakout season, having propelled his game from All-Star to Superstar levels. 

If Houston can contain SGA, they have a chance. Games right before the break can be tough for young teams because young squads start to focus on the break or vacation. The Rockets need to stay locked in, and if they aren’t, it should be evident from the opening tip.

It’s Houston’s last chance for a win before we head into the final stretch. They’ll be short-handed without Jalen Green, but the Rockets have played well against OKC this season, besides giving up 153 points to the Thunder the last time these teams played. Houston needs to tighten up their defense heading into this final game before All Star Break, or they have no chance for an upset tonight.

 

Paycom Center:  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-44):  Black

Oklahoma City Thunder (27-29):  Orange

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall to Sixers 123-104, as Skid Reaches Six

Too Much Firepower.    Downward Trend.    One More Chance.

The 76ers had too much firepower, as they handed the Rockets a 123-104 defeat on Monday night. James Harden led Philly with 28 points. Joel Embiid scored 23 points, and Tyrese Maxey had 26 points off the bench as the Sixers made quick work of the Rockets.

Jalen Green led Houston with 29 points, but he didn’t shoot the ball as efficiently as in previous games. After two tough close losses, the Rockets look like they’re running out of steam, anxiously awaiting the All-Star Break so they can get a breather.

They’ll have one more chance to get a victory before the NBA’s intermission, as they head to OKC to battle the Thunder on Wednesday night.