Category: Uncategorized

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.

Houston Hopes to End their Skid with Impressive Win in Philly, as Rockets Battle the Sixers

Morey Bowl.    Beasts of the East.    Questionable Gordon.

They say you sometimes we do our best work when no one’s watching. Well, as many Houstonians remain without power, and unable to watch tonight’s game, the Rockets will try to shock the basketball world, as most of Houston remain’s grid-locked. The Rockets end their three game road trip in Philadelphia, as Houston looks to put a stop to their six game losing streak with a win over the 76ers tonight. The Sixers are managed by former Rockets GM Daryl Morey, who spent 12 seasons as a sensational executive for Houston. Both sides will no doubt be looking for a bit of revenge in tonight’s matchup. There’s no question Morey was forced out of the scene in Houston, I don’t think he ever wanted to leave. Morey will have a great chance to get back at Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, as the Sixers are atop the standings in the Eastern Conference, and pose a legit threat to make a Finals run this season.

If Houston wants any chance at beating the Sixers tonight, they’ll need to shoot it much better from beyond the arc. Philly is one of the better three-point shooting teams in the league, boasting a plethora of assassins from beyond the arc on their roster. The Rockets will also have to pray Joel Embiid, who missed the Sixers’ last game, doesn’t play tonight. Embiid is Philly’s best player, and one fo the best big-men in basketball. His size and interior threat is a nightmare matchup for this short-handed Houston team. If Embiid can’t give it a go, the Rockets will have less to worry about, but tonight’s matchup will difficult for Houston regardless of who plays.

Houston would love to see Eric Gordon back on the court. EG is questionable for tonight’s tilt in Philly, and with Victor Oladipo and Christian Wood still out, EG returning and providing a playmaking-surge for the Rockets may be the key for a Houston upset-victory tonight. Without Gordon, the Rockets will be as shorthanded as they were last game in D.C. EG provides a boost on both ends for the squad. He’s needed tonight, especially against a Philly squad with plenty of solid perimeter scorers. If Splash Gordon can give it a go, John Wall and the Rockets have a chance to pull the upset. Otherwise tonight in Philly, putting a stop to their losing streak might just be a dream for Houston. No one’s watching tonight, Rockets… go out and give your best effort.

 

Wells Fargo Center:  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-16):  Red

Philadelphia 76ers (18-10):  White

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Wall’s Rockets Out-Dueled by Beal’s Wizards 131-119, Houston’s Skid Reaches Six

Late Scratches and Little Firepower.    Dying From a Distance.    Waiting for Wood.    

John Wall returned to the D.C. area to play for the first time in a uniform not representing the Wizards. Wall was fine in his return, notching season-highs of 29 points and 11 dimes, but the Rockets didn’t have enough firepower against Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook, and the Washington Wizards. Eric Gordon was a late scratch for this game, leaving short-handed Houston in a precarious position, as the Rockets fell to the Wizards, 131-119, on Monday night. All fife starters scored in double-figures for Hosuton, but without Gordon, Victor Oladipo, and Christian Wood, the Rockets were too handicapped to beat a sub-par Wizards team. Bradley Beal led Washington with 37 points, while Westbrook had another triple-double, as the Wizards led this one pretty much from the opening tip.

The Rockets have been downright terrible from beyond the arc in their recent losses. If the shots aren’t falling from the perimeter, Houston has to drive the ball to the rack, and settle for the easy layup or dunk. This three-point addiction the Rockets have is poisonous, and in many situations the downfall of the team in most of their losses. If the squad can play old-school basketball, and look for the best shot available, they’ll finally start trending in the right direction.

Now, if we’re being completely honest, this Houston team won’t be making any noise without Christian Wood. Despite John Wall’s stellar achievements as an All-Star, Wood is in his mid-20’s and has shown he’s the future of the franchise. The Rockets have to try their best as they continue to wait for Wood to get healthy. And there’s no sense in rushing him back. Houston needs to make sure their franchise player is fully-healthy, hoping these were the last of his injuries, before they push his return to the court. Wood will know when he’s ready. And the Rockets will be in much better shape with him on the floor. But for now, Houston will just have to settle for middling returns, and pray they can maybe get a few wins while Wood recovers. It doesn’t get any easier as the Rockets head to Philly to take on the East’s top team, the Sixers, managed by none-other than Daryl Morey, who was a sensational GM in Houston for more than a decade. It should be fun, hopefully the Rockets can make Wednesday night’s Morey-Bowl more competitive than Monday night’s downer in D.C.

Rockets Visit a Familiar Face, Look to End Losing Streak

Wall’s Return.    No Easy Beal.    Must-Win?

John Wall and the Rockets visit Wall’s former team, the Washington Wizards, and Russell Westbrook on Monday night. The Wizards are the only franchise Wall played for before arriving in Houston. Expect a video dedication of some sort for the All-Star guard who spent many years in a Wizards uniform. For now, Wall will be looking to put a damper on the Wizards’ night, and beat former teammate Bradley Beal, who’s having the best season of his career. Despite the 7-17 record and last place positioning in the Eastern Conference, the Wizards still have two All-Stars in Westbrook and Beal, and Washington’s coming off an impressive win over the Celtics last night.

Houston has the rest advantage, having not played since Saturday. And the Wizards have been one of the worst teams to start this regular season. Despite all this, tonight’s contest in D.C. will be no easy task for the Rockets. Bradley Beal scores more than anyone, leading the league in points per game this season. Beal, along with Westbrook, can go off and carry their team on any given night. Other than those two, Rui Hachimura will be an inside threat in the post for the Wizards, and if Houston can’t start rebounding better, D.C.’s young big-man could go-off for a big night on the glass.

Is tonight a must-win game for the Rockets? They’re 11-15 in the standings, currently skidding on a five-game losing streak. The Wizards are the worst team in the East, and they played last night. You would think the Rockets could put it together for four quarters and beat this Wizards team. I believe they can. But they’ll have to show us they can defeat the Washington’s magic on the court tonight. Get ready for an entertaining show in John Wall’s return to face Westbrook and the Wiz in D.C.

 

Capital One Arena:  Washington D.C.

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-15):  “City Edition” Blue

Washington Wizards (7-17):  Dark Blue/Navy

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

New York Rocket Pain:  Knicks Spoil Houston’s Big Apple Visit, 121-99, as Rockets Lose Fifth Straight

Ugly Times.    Franchise Wood.    Team Versus Time.

Worse times got even uglier for the Houston Rockets on Saturday night, as they were blown out by the New York Knicks in the Big Apple, 121-99, in a game that was never really competitive. The Knicks had the lead throughout, and other than a 5-point deficit in the third quarter for Houston, New York held firm control throughout. The Rockets yet again struggled from beyond the arc. John Wall led Houston with 26 points, but he didn’t have enough help to make this contest worth watching.

The Rockets have now lost a season-high five straight games. And during this losing streak, which began when Christian Wood went down with an injury, it’s become clearer and clearer that Wood is Houston’s franchise player for the future. The squad hasn’t won a game since Wood went down, and the Rockets are dying to get their new big-man back. Wood was having an All-Star caliber year, along with being the leading candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award before he went down.

Houston’s running out of time. At 11-15, the Rockets are 13th in the standings, and faller further and further away from playoff competition in the West. If the squad can’t snap out of this losing funk soon, the Rockets hopes for the chance at the playoffs, or even the new play-in games this year, will be in jeopardy. It’s time for the ugly times to end for Houston, or this stretch will turn into the definitive theme of this season: ugly. Although there’s still time to change that for the Rockets, they’re slowly running out  of time with each loss.

Rockets, Hoping to Snap Losing Streak, Head to the Big Apple in Showdown with Knicks

Wheels On.    Bright Lights.    Lucky Spot.

Houston hits the road again, as the Rockets visit the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks. The Knicks are coming off an impressive win last night in Boston, despite losing one of their key players, Mitchell Robinson. New York’s big-man was having the half of his career, 14 rebounds in 20 minutes, before he fractured his hand, and will miss four-to-six weeks with the injury. He’d been having breakout year for the improved Knicks (12-15), who with new coach Tom Thibodeau, aren’t as low in the standings as usual.

The Rockets ride into New York trying to break a four-game losing streak. Houston lost Victor Oladipo and P.J. Tucker to injuries in their last game, Thursday’s loss to the Heat. Oladipo remains out, but the sturdiest player in the league, the NBA’s “Iron Man,” P.J. Tucker, will start once again for the Rockets, as he continues his consecutive games-played streak. John Wall, and Eric Gordon will be the primary ball-handlers with Oladipo out. Hopefully the bright lights of Madison Square Garden bring some newfound energy to a Rockets team that hasn’t been able to strand four good quarter together in over a week.

After tonight, Houston heads to Washington to take on Russell Westbrook and the Wizards, one of the worst teams in the NBA. The Rockets actually have a chance to begin a two-game winning-streak with a victory tonight. The Knicks played last night, so Houston should be more rested. As long as no more Rockets hit injury road, tonight’s Big Apple visit could be a big win for the squad.

 

Madison Square Garden:  New York City, New York

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-14):  Red

New York Knicks (12-15):  Blue

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Endgame:  Rockets Lose Oladipo, Tucker, and Possibly all Hope in Jarring 101-94 Defeat to the Heat

Let Him Go.    Handicapped to the End.    Slowing Wagon.     

“Sometimes that’s all life is, a list of the thing’s we’ve lost,” Kevin Costner tells Diane Lane in his latest Western thriller, Let Him Go. And after the tale couldn’t seem to get any worse for the Rockets, Houston lost Victor Oladipo and P.J. Tucker to injuries in the third quarter. A period which saw the Rockets score only ten points, after they had managed to build a ten-point first-quarter cushion. After Oladipo and Tucker went down, the Heat took full control of the momentum, and despite having chances late, the Rockets couldn’t rebound (literally), and Miami held on for a 101-94 victory, their 4th straight win, and Houston’s 4th straight loss. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 27 points and Max Strus played the latest surprise role star for the opposition, doing his best Steph Curry impression, nailing 5 of his 8 shots from three, racking up 21 points in the process. The Rockets were already short-handed with Christian Wood still sidelined, and now Victor Oladipo and P.J. Tucker, both who’ve been swirling in trade rumors, went down early in the third quarter in Houston. It was too much for the Rockets to overcome, despite getting within two points late, Houston couldn’t rebound to save their lives, as the Rockets lack of big bodies was overpowered by a stronger Miami team. Houston was truly handicapped to the final buzzer in another torrid, sufferable game this season for the Rockets.

Monitoring Oladipo, it only makes his impending free-agency, and as the trade deadline approaches, his time in Houston, more uncertain. If Vic is seen as injury-prone, he’s damaged his value in his short time in Houston, and the Rockets don’t even know if he truly wants to play in Houston. The squad has a tricky situation on their hands. If they can trade Oladipo for respectable assets, it might be worth looking into, if it looks like he’s headed elsewhere after the season anyway, which appears to be the situation to me. As for P.J. Tucker, that’s another story.

Tuck arrived in Houston at the beginning of the 2017 season, at the start of the Chris Paul experiment. And in his time in H-Town, Tucker’s embodied everything we love about our favorite athletes. P.J.’s played his heart out on every play, relentlessly sacrificed for his teammates in pursuit of the team’s betterment, and never, never, missed a game in a Rockets uniform. That streak, the NBA’s longest current consecutive games-played streak, could be in jeopardy Saturday night in New York. Tucker is questionable, and knowing the heart he has, if P.J. can walk, he’s going to suit up on Saturday night. But Thursday’s injury was a simple crack in the process, and sign towards the future. Despite playing with a pinched nerve in his neck for nearly a year and a half, Tucker’s never missed a game in Houston. But, time’s undefeated, and it looks like it may be finally catching up with P.J. Maybe the Rockets should do the right thing, and let Tucker go to a contender. P.J.’s still reliable enough to be a solid role player that could add a dimension of toughness that could put a contender over-the-top. I’m the last person that wants to see P.J. go. No one in the NBA plays harder than P.J. Tucker. I didn’t want to see Daryl Morey leave. Or Mike D’Antoni… Russell Westbrook. And James Harden. And if we really want to delve deep into the insufferable nightmare that has become Houston professional sports… DeAndre Hopkins, George Springer, J.J. Watt… and soon, likely… Deshaun Watson. It seems kind of like a sick joke, how one town could go from having three competitive teams contending for Championships, to three teams rebuilding, and while it didn’t happen overnight. Looking back.. it all just seems like a terrible nightmare. But welcome to reality. Houston and the Rockets were fortunate for years… James Harden took the squad to the playoffs every year, and in his last few seasons built the Rockets into serious title contenders. The Astros won a World Series (tainted as it may be in the eyes of many, many don’t realize how commonplace corruption is, and always has been in the MLB when it comes to “cheating,” something every club’s taken part in since before the Rockets moved to Houston. And then there’s the burning building that is the Texans. Taken in the middle of the night, strangled by a preacher, who’s never let go of his evil grasp, Jack Easterby. The man responsible for the Texans’ overhaul from contenders, to worst team in the NFL, all in the matter of a year. As bad as Tilman Fertitta has been aa the Rocket’s owner, he hasn’t completely torn the team apart like Easterby’s done to the Texans. Regardless, hard times have hit Houston’s sports teams, and this period of uncertainty and rebuilding, could last a while. With the men in charge of their respective organizations, competitive pro sports in Houston just got taken off the map. But, we still have the Rockets, Astros, and Texans.. or whatever’s left of them. Despite all the unfamiliarity and injuries, the Rockets are still probably in the best position moving forward. But enjoy these rough times while you can. It’s only going to get rougher.

P.J. Tucker will likely be traded before the trade deadline, on March 25th, nearing closer each day. Tuck expressed his desire to be somewhere where he “felt wanted,” and while he hasn’t demanded a trade, he’s made it clear he’s not completely happy in Houston. And while P.J.’s such a key piece to the Rockets’ defense, veteran leadership,  and intensity, it’s time to let him go elsewhere. Tucker’s been nothing short of a class-act since he arrived in 2017. It’s not a matter of if anymore, just when. So enjoy all the hustle plays and hard screens, even the missed corner threes, because P.J., just like Harden, Westbrook, Watt, Hopkins, and Springer… is on his way out of town. The Rockets just haven’t made their decision yet on where to send him. Even though it only gave the city a title many raise an eyebrow to, the last few years in Houston sports have been amazing. Even though the Rockets didn’t win anything major, they produced a boatload of exciting players and changed the style of the game.. forever. Moreyball’s long-gone. No more Beard. And the wheels on the Tuckwagon are slowly coming to a stop. And that’s ok. Sometimes that’s all life is… a list of the things we’ve lost.

Rockets, Heat Square-Off in Brief Home Stop for Houston

Opposite Directions.    Launching Pad.    The Good, the Bad, and the Rockets.

In literally the most erratic season in Houston Rockets history, the squad returns to Toyota Center for a brief home stop to host the Miami Heat. Tonight’s matchup is a tale of teams headed in opposite directions. The Rockets return home trying to snap a 3-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Heat roll into Houston finally hitting their stride. After a slow 7-14 start that saw Miami plagued by injuries and coronavirus, the Heat are aiming for their fourth win in a row as they face off against the Rockets tonight. With a Houston loss, these squads will have identical records, and the Rockets will fall further down the food chain out West. To avoid that, Houston needs Victor Oladipo to show up. Vic sat out last game due to rest, and tonight the Rockets need him and John  Wall to be explosive if they want to beat a Miami team finding its rhythm.

Hopefully, a return to the friendly confines of Toyota Center during this road-heavy stretch in the schedule can give the Rockets a launching pad, and possibly pile on some wins, as the schedule gets easier after tonight. But who knows with these Rockets. There’s good teams, bad teams, and then these Rockets, who on some nights look like the worst team in the NBA, others, they look like they could compete with anyone. Who knows which team we’ll get tonight. But a feisty Jimmy Butler isn’t going to let the Heat come into Houston carelessly. Maybe a fiery Miami squad can instill some grit and energy into these Rockets. They’re going to need it tonight.

A win tonight, and Houston creeps back to within a game of .500. A loss, and the Rockets fall to three games below the .500 mark, and further down the standings in the crowded Western Conference. John Wall, a returning Victor Oladipo, and Eric Gordon will be primarily responsible for creating the offense and setting the tone. Hopefully the squad plays off of Jae’Sean Tate and P.J. Tucker’s energy. Because tonight… the Heat’s on against the Rockets, literally.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Miami Heat (10-14):  “City Edition” Pink/Blue

Houston Rockets (11-13):  Black

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  TNT