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Rockets Fall to Clippers Again, 113-100, for 10th Straight Loss

Same Trio.    Haunted Third.    No Rest for the Weary.

The Houston Rockets once again held a halftime lead in this game, just as they did in the previous contest on Sunday against the Clippers. However, a terrible third quarter unraveled the Rockets, as they lost their 10th straight game on Tuesday night, falling to the Clippers 113-100 at Toyota Center. Jalen Green scored 20 points to lead Houston, who’s now trying to escape another double-digit losing streak.
The same deadly trio killed the Rockets on Tuesday night. Reggie HJackson, Ivica Zubac, and Marcus Morris Sr. did the majority of the damage as the Clips handled Houston easier than in the previous tilt.

The Rockets will play their third game in four days up next, as the Utah Jazz come to town. No rest for a weary squad that’s dropped ten straight games. Kevin Porter Jr. is rumored to return after missing the previous few games. We’ll see if Houston has any energy to end this home-stand on a positive note on Wednesday night.

Rockets Seek Different Results in Rematch with Clippers

Part 2.    Action Jackson.    The Closers.

The Rockets and Clippers meet to do battle once again after facing off only two days ago. L.A. escaped Houston with a narrow 99-98 victory in the previous matchup. Jalen Green looks to get back on track, as the Rockets hope to take Part 2 in this min-series. Kevin Porter Jr. is still questionable heading into tonight’s matchup.

The key for victory for Houston in this one will be slowing Reggie Jackson. Jackson’s been the key component in both of the Clips wins over the Rockets this season. He had 26 points in to lead L.A.’s comeback win on Sunday. 

Houston controlled the majority of the game in these squads’ previous battle. However, the Rockets scored only 18 points in the fourth quarter, and the Clippers stormed back for the victory. Houston doesn’t necessarily has a closer, per se, so they’ll have to close the contest as a unit if they want to end their nine-game losing streak tonight. The Rockets have a good chance, the key will be in the closing moments. Can Houston finally come up big in the clutch? We’ll find out tonight. Expect another close and entertaining game at Toyota Center tonight, with hopefully different results than the two previous matches against the Clips.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (32-21):  Black

Houston Rockets (15-45):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Falter Late in 99-98 Loss to Clippers

Failure to Close.    Nine and Counting.    Ready for a Rematch.

For the second straight game, the Rockets held a sizable lead in the first quarter. Houston led the Clippers 28-19 after period one, but Los Angeles slowly crept back into the game, and snuck past the Rockets late, dealing Houston a 99-98 loss. The defeat is the 9th consecutive loss for a Rockets team that’s searching for answers. Jalen Green had an off-shooting night for the first time in a while, scoring only 10 points on 4-for-18 shooting. Garrison Mathews led a balanced Houston attack with 17 points. The Rockets had seven players score in double-figures, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the exploits of Reggie Jackson and Ivica Zubac, who sealed the game for L.A. Jackson led the Clips with 26 points. Zubac contributed 14 points and 15 boards, along with a key block late in the game to deter Houston’s hopes.

These two squads will square off again in Toyota Center on Tuesday night. Hopefully the Rockets can close the contest with more discipline than they displayed in their latest loss. Kevin Porter Jr.’s return isn’t certain as of yet, so Scoot should still be deemed questionable for the rematch.

Only 22 games remain in the season for Houston. Any chance of sneaking into the playoffs has passed this Rockets team. They are playing for pride and looking to build chemistry for next season. Hopefully they can seal the deal, and focus for four quarters in the rematch. Houston scored only 18 points in the fourth quarter on Sunday, they’ll have to better if they want to take part 2 in this mini-series on Tuesday.

Rockets Return Home to Host Clippers Twice

Homecoming.    Familiar Foes.    First of Two.    

Houston returns home for the first time since February 10th, where the Los Angeles Clippers await them for a pair of games. The Rockets last saw the Clips in their final game before the All-Star break, in which Houston got a thorough beatdown. The squad will look to change that result on Sunday night with a more energized effort, especially on defense. The Clippers scored 142 points against the Rockets’ defense in the first matchup, a little over a week ago. Houston needs a better effort defensively if they want a chance to upset the hungry Clips tonight.

These two squads are familiar foes, as they’ll meet again at Toyota Center on Tuesday night for a rematch. The Clippers have won 4 of their last 5 games, with the only loss coming to Phoenix, the team with the NBA’s best record. L.A. is coming off a close win over their hometown-rival Lakers on Friday. At this moment, the Clips are holding onto the 8th spot in the West, but fighting to retain that position. Houston meanwhile, doesn’t have much to play for, other than building chemistry and improving for the future.

Jalen Green’s been on a roll for the Rockets as of late. Houston’s top rookie will look to continue his solid play against the Clippers. Kevin Porter sprained his ankle Friday in Orlando, and will be questionable for Sunday’s contest. If Scoot can’t go, look for Green to have even more of a Green Light to attack on a consistent basis. The Rockets will need the aggression and hunger against a hungrier Clippers squad. If Houston can prove they’ve got a more satiable appetite, the Rockets could potentially pull the upset in their final game of February.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (31-31):  Black

Houston Rockets (15-44):  White

 

Tip-Off:  6 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass

Rockets Falter Late in Orlando, Drop 8th Straight in 119-111 Loss to Magic

Strong Start, Slow Finish.    Big Problems.    Breaking Through.

It initially appeared that the Rockets would snap their seven game losing streak in Orlando. Houston raced out to a 17-3 early lead against the Magic, but the Rockets fizzled late, as Orlando took control of the second quarter, and the game, en route to a 119-111 loss for the Rockets, their eighth consecutive defeat. The Magic outscored Houston 31-18 in the second quarter, and while the Rockets made it a completive outing, they never could regain the early stranglehold they had on Orlando in the first period. 

The Magic were simply too big for the Rockets in the interior. Chuma Okeke had the game of his life, scoring a career-high 26 points and grabbing 9 boards off the bench. Wendell Carter Jr. also posed problems for Houston in the post. Carter finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds for Orlando. Christian Wood had another double-double for the Rockets, registering 21 points and 11 boards, but it wasn’t enough against this oversized Magic squad.

Houston’s now lost eight games in a row. One good sign amidst all the struggles has been the play of Jalen Green. After an inconsistent first two-thirds of the season, Green has found his stride over the past handful of games. Green led the Rockets in scoring with 23 points, and a career-high 4 steals. Most importantly, Green’s shooting has continued to improve. Green shot 9-for-16 from the floor on Friday, including 4-for-9 from distance. It appears the All-Star break allowed the game to slow down for Houston’s rookie. Green will make a push for rookie of the year over the final 23 games, but if the Rockets keep losing games, he won’t have much of a chance to win the award. Luckily for Houston, 15 of their 23 remaining games are at home, including three home games in four days starting Sunday. Houston will play the Clippers twice, the last team they saw before the All-Star break. And while the previous meeting may make the rematch appear one-sided… a return home may be all the Rockets need to finally secure a victory.

Rockets Head to Orlando for Matchup with Magic

Stretch Run.    More Than a Chance.    Starting Strong.

The Houston Rockets are back in action tonight for the first time in over a week. After an All-Star break which hopefully saw the players get plenty of rest and reinvigoration, the Rockets are ready for the NBA’s stretch run. Houston has 24 games remaining, but only 9 are on the road, including tonight’s matchup in Orlando.

The Rockets are currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, and they’ll look to end that against a Magic team with a worse record than Houston. Jalen Green was Houston’s most efficient player entering the break. Hopefully the rookie picks up where he left off. He’ll be facing fellow Slam-Dunk participant Cole Anthony, who’s having a breakout season for Orlando. Losers of four straight games, the Magic are a very beatable opponent for Houston. If the Rockets can play hard and get off to a strong start, they have a chance to produce some magic of their own in Orlando.

Both teams may show some rust due to the long break, but whoever plays harder and wins the hustle game will take tonight’s outcome. Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr., and Jalen Suggs will be the key players Houston need to contain on defense, including Anthony. The Rockets are healthy and should have plenty of hungry players eager to end their losing skid. Hopefully the squad can start the final stretch run of the season with a victory.

 

Amway Center:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (15-43):  White

Orlando Magic (13-47):  Blue

 

Tip-Off:  6 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Hit Early in 142-111 Beatdown by Clippers

Break Time.    Reset Period.    Perfect Timing.

Houston got obliterated by the Los Angeles Clippers, 142-111, in the final game before the NBA’s All-Star Break. The Clippers raced out to an early 17-point lead, and Houston never recovered. Jalen Green scored 21 points to lead the Rockets, one of the few bright signs for Houston in this contest.

The squad will now get a full week of rest before their next game, next Friday in Orlando. Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jae’Sean Tate will take part in some of the festivities in Cleveland.

As for most teams, now is the perfect time for a break for this Rockets squad. Houston has now lost their last seven games entering the break. They’ll look to start a new chapter and finish the season strong as they take on a weaker opponent in their first game back, the Orlando Magic.

Rockets Duel with Clippers in Final Game Before Break

Competing Victims.    On the Floor.    Follow the Leader.

Houston squares off against the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time this season on Thursday night. Tonight’s game marks the final match before the All-Star Break for both squads. Ironically, both teams are coming off losses to the Suns in their previous games. And both matchups were closely contested.

The Rockets have to leave it all on the floor tonight if they want to snap their six game losing skid, and snag one more win before the league’s intermission. Houston will likely get Christian Wood back tonight, but Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to remain out with an illness. Which once again means more minutes for Dennis Schroder, who was a revelation in only his second game as a Rocket.

The keys matchup tonight to focus on will be the starting point guard matchup. The veterans Dennis Schroder and Reggie Jackson will go toe-to-toe, and whoever has a better game, will likely be the key to victory tonight for the Rockets or Clippers. If Schroder can pick up where he left off last night, Houston has a good chance to slide their own upset story into Hollywood before the NBA’s annual intermission begins.

 

Crypto.com Arena:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (15-42):  Red

Los Angeles Clippers (29-31):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  9:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Burned Late in Phoenix, Suffer Tough 124-121 Loss to Suns

Dennis the Menace.    Whistle While You Work.    No Paul, No Problem.

“We’ve never had fun like that before,” several Houston players said to the newest member of the squad, Dennis Schroder, after Wednesday night’s 124-121 loss to Phoenix. Despite the losing effort, the Rockets played one of their best games of the season, taking the best team in the league all the way down to the wire. Eric Gordon missed a game-tying potential three as the horn sounded, and the Suns escaped with a 3-point victory to extend their winning streak to 7 games. In only his second game as a Rocket, Schroder make a huge impact on the game and his teammates. Starting in place of Kevin Porter Jr., Schroder was the best Houston player all night. Attacking the Phoenix, and encouraging his teammates as a player-coach while he was on the bench. Granted, Christian Wood didn’t play as well, so that opened up more opportunities for Schroder, who excelled as floor general for the Rockets. The veteran leadership he instilled in Wednesday’s loss is something this young Houston team hasn’t experienced before. Unfortunately, the Rockets couldn’t pull off the upset, but they got promising returns from Schroder in only his second game with the franchise.

Alperen Sengun had arguably his best game of the season as well. Starting in place of Wood, Sengun had a monstrous 19-point, 14-rebound double-double, and was proficient from long range. Jae’Sean Tate scored 22 points and exemplified his role as the team’s versatile Swiss Army Knife. Jalen Green added 17 points as he gears up for the All-Star festivities in Cleveland this weekend. Looking at the final results, Houston played one of their best games of the season, but fell short to arguably the best team in the NBA, and a squad in the Suns that has a legitimate chance to win the title this season. Ironically enough, Chris Paul, who was ejected early in the third quarter, seemed to turn the tide of the contest. The Rockets were in control with CP3 on the court, building an 8-point halftime lead. However, once Paul was ejected (for making contact with an official), the Suns switched to a zone, and put Houston’s offense in fits. 

Overall, it was a questionably-called game by the officials. From the opening tip the refs where ready too whistle while they worked, and up to the CP3 ejection, many calls in this matchup were eye-brow raising. Sure, Paul’s reputation with the refs as an instigator certainly initiated the officials’ quick trigger, but any other player, and that’s likely only a technical foul. Regardless, the Rockets might’ve been better off had CP3 remained in the contest, but that’s a story for another day. Devin Booker scored 24 points, and DeAndre Ayton added 23 points to ensure Phoenix kept their winning streak alive. Houston will get Christian Wood back tomorrow night as they wrap up their final game before the All-Star break in their first matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers… and hopefully another installment of four fun quarters.

Rockets Aim for a Miracle, Visit Phoenix to Face Suns

Death Valley.    Composed Composers.    First of Two.

Houston rides a five-game losing streak into the NBA’s version of Death Valley, Footprint Center, where the Rockets will battle the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. After starting the season neck-and-neck with the Warriors for the NBA’s best record, the Suns have distanced themselves since Houston last saw Chris Paul and company. Phoenix has had two separate double-digit winning streaks this season, and along with Golden State, have the best home record in the league. Saying tonight’s opponent for Houston is tough is a giant understatement. Especially given the current predicaments of the league as everyone approaches intermission.

It’s difficult to stay composed and focused with a rare vacation on the horizon for players who rarely get more than a two or three days off to spend time with family during the regular season. These guys are human beings. Even though LeBron James, The Greek Freak, and certain players may appear robotic to onlookers, everyone in the league is human. And whether you’re heading to Cleveland for your first All-Star appearance, or excited for that extra vacation time, it’s only human to be distracted at this moment in the NBA season. Only a few teams have the discipline to fight through these times, known as the “Dog Days” of the season. And one of those teams happens to be the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix is tied for the current longest winning streak (six games) in the West with Memphis and Utah. The Suns also played at home last night, beating the Clippers in a close game. Phoenix is one of the best clutch teams in the NBA, so even if the Rockets keep this game close, Houston could be in store for a late problem.

So, at least the Rockets have the rest advantage. But that’s about all favoring Houston’s side tonight as the squad faces CP3’s laser-focused Suns. And they won’t have that tomorrow, as tonight is the first of a back-to-back for the sqaud before the break. Kevin Porter Jr. is questionable with an illness, so the Rockets may be even more short-handed than usual. Which brings queasiness with the likes of CP3, Devin Booker, Mikal Birdges, DeAndre Ayton, and more. The Suns boast one of the deepest teams in the league, and they’re loaded with too many weapons for most opponents. If Houston can play hard, and with a sense of purpose, they have a chance. However, they haven’t shown that discipline during their current five-game skid. The Rockets also need to have a red-hot shooting night if they want any shot of pulling off the biggest upset of the NBA season.

 

Footprint Center:  Phoenix, Arizona

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (15-41):  White

Phoenix Suns (47-10):  Purple

 

Tip-Off:  8 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass