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Wood Evening:  Christian’s Career-Night Powers Rockets Past Wizards, 115-97

Shoveling Out.    Christian Curry.    How Sweep It Is.

Wood evening ladies and gentlemen. The following is a story unlike most Houston’s endured this season. The Rockets appeared bound for another loss. Houston trailed by 9 after the first period, and by as many as 23 in the first half. But for the first time on the end of a back-to-back, the Rockets were able to secure the victory. Houston rallied, behind a dominant performance from Christian Wood, to put the the Wizards away, 115-97, ending the squad’s five-game losing streak. Unlike many games where the Rockets win the first quarter, and then fall apart some time in the second period or second half, this contest was the opposite. Houston fell behind early, but rallied and preserved for the victory.

Christian Wood put on a performance for the ages. Wood scored a career-high 39 points, including an amazing 8-for-9 shooting from distance. Houston’s big-man had some shots he took in Steph Curry-range. Wood was a huge part of the Rockets fending off any comeback from Washington in the final quarter.

The Wizards are the first team, and likely only squad, Houston will sweep all season. At least the Rockets went undefeated against somebody. Next up, Houston will aim to do what’s eluded them all of 2022… win two games in a row.

Rockets Host Wizards to Close Home-Stand

The Dreaded Back-Half.    Homecourt Magic.    Opportunity Knocks.

The Rockets host the Washington Wizards on Monday night, in the back-half of a back-to-back. Houston has yet to win all season after playing the day before. In this circumstance, the Rockets are coming off a beatdown by the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon. Houston was outscored in every period, and the game was never really in doubt for Memphis. The Rockets will aim to change that outcome against a far less dominant Wizards team.

This is is the final game of Houston’s five-game home-stand. After tonight, they hit the road for a three-game stretch. Only ten games remain for the Rockets. Six at home, and five on the road. Can they whip up some homecourt magic before they hit the road? This is Houston’s best chance of the home-stand. The Wizards had a solid first half of the season, but have slid out of playoff contention in the second half of the campaign.

Opportunity is knocking tonight for the Rockets. It’s also Jalen Green’s first bobblehead night. Does Green have another 30-point explosive performance in store for the fans tonight? Hopefully Houston takes advantage of an inferior Wizards team, at least compared the competition the Rockets have faced recently. If Houston wants to finally win the end of a back-to-back… tonight’s their best chance.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Washington Wizards (30-40):  White

Houston Rockets (17-54):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Mauled by Grizzlies, 122-98, Lose 5th Straight

Eaten Alive.    The B&B Show.    Back at It.

This game was a one-sided contest, almost from the opening tip. Memphis led by 9 points after the first quarter, and won each period en route to dealing the Rockets a 122-98 blowout defeat. The loss is Houston’s fifth in a row, as the squad has yet another losing streak on their hands. Ja Morant’s absence from the game wasn’t a problem for the Grizzlies, as they had plenty of other players step up to do damage.

Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks led Memphis’ charge. Bane finished with 24 points, and Brooks added 20 points for the Grizz. Dennis Schroder led the Rockets in scoring with 17 points off the bench, in what was a quiet night for the team overall. They didn’t even pass the 100-point mark, rare in today’s high-scoring NBA. This wasn’t Houston’s night, as they were simply beaten by a far superior team. The afternoon start didn’t help either, as the Rockets rarely play games before nightfall.

Houston gets right back at it, as they close their home-stand with another game at Toyota Center on Monday night. The squad will host the Wizards, a far less dangerous opponent than Memphis. Hopefully the Rockets can secure a win and end the losing streak before they head back on the road.

Rockets Host Grizzlies in Sunday Matinee

Rare Start.    First of Two.    Dozen to Go.

It’s a rare afternoon start on Sunday as the Rockets host the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Houston rarely plays afternoon games, so it will be interesting to see how this young Rockets core responds to a hungry Grizzlies team ready for revenge. Houston beat Memphis the last time these squads squared off at Toyota Center. The Grizz are still clinging to the second seed out West, and are trying to finish the season strong. Today’s game won’t be an easy ride for the Rockets.

Sunday’s matchup is the first of a back-to-back for Houston, with both games at home. The Rockets will host the Washington Wizards on Monday night to close their homestand. Hopefully they’ll have enough energy left after today’s battle to beat a much weaker opponent in the Wizards.

Only a dozen games remain on the schedule for the Rockets this season. Houston has to finish 3-9 or better to win 20 games. Hopefully the squad can achieve that goal, as they’ve essentially locked up their best chance to get a Top-3 pick once again in this year’s draft.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (48-23):  White

Houston Rockets (17-53):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  2:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Collapse Late in 121-118 Loss to Pacers

The Fourth Colder.    Wasted Wood.    The Green Streak.

After a spectacular third quarter, Houston looked poised to grab their 18th win of the season on Friday night. But a dreadful fourth quarter doomed the Rockets, as they the Pacers stormed back to give Houston a 121-118 defeat. The loss is Houston’s fourth in a row, as the squad finds themselves on the wrong end of another streak once again. After outscoring Indiana 39-22 in the third quarter, the Rockets held an 8-point advantage heading into the final period. A quarter which saw Houston turn cold, as the Rockets were outscored 38-23 by the Pacers, en route to another loss.

Houston wasted arguably Christian Wood’s best game of the season. The Rockets’ big man registered 32 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in a dominant performance. Jalen Green extended his streak of games with double-digit scoring to 22 in a row. Green scored 20 points on the evening, and his consistency is really starting to ramp up. He’s scored at least 17 points in nine of his last ten games. Expect Green to have a monster sophomore season next year.

Up next the Rockets finish off their home-stand with a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday. First up, Houston hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon. The  Rockets beat the Grizz earlier this season at Toyota Center. And then the Rockets will welcome the Wizards to town on Monday night. Hopefully, the squad can grab a win before this home-stand ends. Houston has all but guaranteed themselves the best chance to grab a top-3 pick in this summer’s draft. But it would be nice to see the team win at least 20 games this season. With only a dozen contests remaining, the Rockets are running out of time.

Rockets Host Pacers in Friday Night Tilt

Winnable Game.    Green Shift.    Building.

On Friday night, the Houston Rockets host the Indiana Pacers, in a very winnable game for the home squad tonight. The Rockets have lost three straight games, and hold the NBA’s worst record. Indiana is near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but will still pose a formidable opponent against these young Rockets.

Houston continues to shift towards the Rockets being Jalen Green’s team. Green’s led the team in scoring over the past few games, and his improvement has been impressive, to say the least. 

The Rockets continue to build towards next season, and gaining another top pick in the upcoming draft, and this season winds down.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Indiana Pacers (23-47):  Yellow

Houston Rockets (17-52):  Navy “City Edition”

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass

Rockets Burned by Suns in 129-112 Loss

Experience the Experience.    Dreadful Third.    Another Skid.

Houston’s one-point halftime deficit swooned to double-digits quickly in a third quarter that was dominated by Phoenix. The Rockets lost their swagger after the break, as the Suns cruised to a 129-112 victory in Houston. Devin Booker powered Phoenix with 36 points. Jalen Green’s 22 points led all Rocket players in scoring, but Houston didn’t have enough firepower to beat the best team in the NBA.

The Rockets are now owners of another losing streak, dropping their last three games after that win over the Lakers. Houston will look to get back on the winning track on Friday night when they host the Indiana Pacers.

Rockets Aiming for an Upset, Host the Suns

Back Home.    No Paul, No Problem.    The Spoiler Role.

Houston returns home for a four-game homestand, beginning with a matchup against the NBA’s top team, the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have held their ground, keeping a hold on first place since Chris Paul went down with an injury. The Rockets have yet to beat Phoenix this season, as they’re 0-3 against the Suns.  

With only 14 games remaining, the Rockets will try and play the role of spoiler against teams fighting to maintain or gain playoff positioning. Houston will also expect to see a strong close to the season for Jalen Green, who’s really found his groove during the second half of the campaign.

This is the first of four straight at Toyota Center. Tonight’s contest will be the toughest, along with a Sunday matinee against the Memphis Grizzlies. Hopefully a return to the friendly confines of home will get the Rockets back on the winning page tonight.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (55-14):  White

Houston Rockets (17-51):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Get Hammered in New Orleans, Fall to Pelicans 130-105

Big, Bad Birds.    Doing it Again.    Good Start, Rough Finish.

The Rockets once again held a lead after the first period on Sunday night. And once again, Houston would unravel throughout the rest of the contest, as the Rockets lost to the Pelicans, 130-105, for their second consecutive double-digit loss. Jalen Green led Houston in scoring with 17 points, but the Rockets couldn’t handle the Pelicans’ big men inside.

Jonas Valanciunas scored 32 points and grabbed 10 boards to lead New Orleans, while his fellow mate in the interior, Jaxson Hayes, added 21 points and 10 boards as well.

Houston will travel back home where they will host the best team in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns. The Rockets have seemed to win when we least expect it this season. Phoenix has held on to first place with Chris Paul still out with an injury. Every team has a letdown, and Houston will try and provide that for the Suns back in H-Town on Wednesday night.

Rockets Hit the Road for Big Easy Matchup with Pelicans

Down the Birds.    Avoiding Another Streak.    15 to Go.

The Rockets head to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Sunday night. Houston will look to down a Pels team that’s played better during the second half of the season.

After losing their last game, the Rockets look to avoid another losing streak by bouncing back with a dub tonight.

Counting tonight’s matchup, Houston has only 15 games remaining as they wind down what’s been quite the season this year.

 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (17-50):  Black

New Orleans Pelicans (27-40):  White

 

Tip-Off:  6 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass