Category: Uncategorized

Big Easy Blues:  Rockets Get Hammered by Pelicans in New Orleans, 130-101

Low-Quality H2O.    Sinking Ship.    Necessary Changes.

“During that winning streak, we drank some of that water we shouldn’t have. Our defense has been s***ty the last couple games,” John Wall said after the Rockets most recent blowout, a 130-101 beatdown in the Big Easy. And he’s right, the Rockets defense has been ugly the last few games. On Tuesday night, New Orleans pretty much dominated from start to finish. Houston trailed by 20 midway through the second, got back within 11 to start the fourth, but by then, had no energy to finish the game. a balanced Pelicans attack saw seven players score in double-figures. John Wall scored 25 points to lead Houston, and Eric Gordon continues to pass the 20-point mark, notching 23 points in the loss. Other than that, Sterling Brown supplied 11 points off the bench, and Jae-Sean Tate and Danuel House Jr. both chipped in 13 points apiece. But without Christian Wood, this Rockets team has struggled to win games. They’ve yet to win one since he went down with his second injury of the year. Throw in a missing Victor Oladipo, and Houston just didn’t have enough firepower against a New Orleans team that’s rolling, now winners of four straight.

Seemingly overnight, the Rockets have gone playoff contenders to a sinking ship. I get it, players have to rest for their health. But if Houston never suits up its entire roster, the Rockets will never build the chemistry required to beat the best. Hopefully, Christian Wood gets back as quickly as possible. His absence is a gigantic void Houston can’t fill. Until then, the squad will has to play harder, and hope Coach Stephen Silas makes the right rotational moves. It’s tricky when you never a full roster to work with.

What changes can the Rockets make to start winning again? The first answer is health. Take away two of the top three players from any NBA team, and logically, they’re going to be weakened. The Lakers without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, wouldn’t be contenders. In New Orleans, Wood and Oladipo’s absence couldn’t be salvaged by Houston teammates trying to mask the void that opens when two All-Star caliber players aren’t on the court. The second answer is quit resting John Wall and Victor Oladipo on back-to-backs. The Rockets don’t have time to worry about long-term health. If an injury happens, it’s bad luck. But if Houston keeps leaving their valuables off the court, they have no chance to be a valuable squad this season. And the final answer… maybe they should go back to drinking some of that water.

Rockets Hit New Orleans in Desperate Need of a Win

Big Easy Deja Vu.    Reloaded Backcourt.    Ride Off the Schneide.

Houston finds themselves in a much more precarious situation than their previous trip to New Orleans. On January 30th, the Rockets won their fifth straight game of the year, beating the Pelicans in the Big Easy. The squad will look for some of that Big Easy Deja Vu tonight, as Houston limps into New Orleans losers of three of their past four games. The Rockets will try and right the ship with some added ammunition they sorely missed on Monday night.

The Rockets backcourt gets reloaded in New Orleans on Tuesday, as John Wall and Eric Gordon return to the lineup after resting Monday night. It’s unsure if Victor Oladipo will play at the moment. He had been resting one of the games on back-to-backs, but when asked about it a few days ago, he said “we’ll see.” Regardless, Houston gets its two most consistent scorers (besides Christian Wood, who remains out with an ankle injury) back in the lineup. The Rockets won the previous game in late last month in New Orleans, 126-112. The Pelicans are 10-12, only a half game behind Houston in the claustrophobic Western Conference standings. This is a huge game for the Rockets to keep pace with the group of teams bunched in the West, and avoid falling out of the playoff-picture.

After winning seven of eight games, Houston has lost two straight, and three of their past four contests. Tuesday night presents a great opportunity for John Wall and company to get off the schneide, and prove their still capable of holding ship while they wait for the ever-so-valuable Christian Wood to return from his injury. For now, the Rockets just have to work with the guys on the roster. Tonight, they’ll have more ammunition on the offensive end to avoid a seven-point fourth quarter nightmare like the one that occurred last night in Charlotte. The Pelicans are a much better team than the Hornets, and have been on the rise… expect another precarious night of Houston Rockets basketball, with hopefully a little Big Easy Deja Vu.

 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-12):  White

New Orleans Pelicans (10-12):  Red

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  TNT

Buzz Kill:  Rockets Collapse Late in Charlotte, as Hornets Sting Rockets, 119-94

Disappearing Final Act.    Rotational Issues.    No Wall=More Ball.

Vanished. From thin air it seemed. The tightly contested matchup between the Rockets and Hornets on Monday night. Houston stood almost toe-to-toe with Charlotte for three quarters, trailing by only three points entering the fourth quarter. But without John Wall and Eric Gordon, Victor Oladipo was nowhere to be found in final frame, as he seemed out of sync, and the Rockets scored a franchise-record low seven points in the fourth, as the Hornets blew out Houston, 119-94, turning a competitive game into an embarrassing one for the Rockets. LaMelo Ball had one of his best games of the season for the Hornets. Charlotte’s hyped rookie scored 24 points, and dished 10 dimes while grabbing 7 boards to lead the Hornets over a sub-par undermanned Rockets team. Despite being within distance, Charlotte held firm control for the majority of the game. And Houston now finds themselves back below .500, and with another game tomorrow night, against a surging New Orleans Pelicans team.

On Monday night, the Rockets had rotational issues. With so many key players (John Wall, Eric Gordon, Christian Wood) out for Houston, there was no doubt coach Stephen Silas would experiment with some of his decisions. But, I have to admit, I disagree with some of the choices he made in Charlotte. Mason Jones, who’s shown to play at an All-Star caliber level, scored 6 points, and nailed 2 of his 5 threes, but only played 15 minutes. Ben McLemore, who scored 13 of his 15 points during a stellar first half, shot the the ball only twice in the second half. After trailing by five points after the first period, the Rockets chipped into the lead, getting within four by the half. And three by the third. But by that time, this undermanned Houston squad had nothing left in the tank against an inspired Hornets squad.

And so John Wall doesn’t play, and the Rockets lose once more. Not surprising. Wall certainly would’ve slowed down LaMelo on Monday night, but they’ll be counting on him tomorrow in New Orleans to pull Houston back even in the win-loss column. At 11-12, the Rockets need to to start moving up, or in a jam-packed Western Conference, they could be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs. I get it… Wall, Oladipo, and Cousins are all coming off big injuries. And unfortunately Wood’s fell victim to the injury bug as well, but If Houston keeps resting players, they’re never going to separate themselves from the pack, let alone even join in and make the playoffs. The Rockets are blocking themselves from establishing an identity and building chemistry, making it difficult to get a feel for this team’s potential. If Wall and Oladipo keep resting every other game, and with Wood’s uncertain future, this team will never be able to gel own the court and develop some much-needed chemistry. Wood will return, and hopefully we’ve seen the last of his injury issues this season. But if Wall and Oladipo don’t buy all-in, and play every game, the Rockets are in trouble. That’s what I really miss about James Harden. The Beard never took a night off. And now one of Houston’s top two playmakers seems to be out every other night. If the Rockets can’t start figuring out their rotational issues, and which players deserve playing time in respective situations… Houston’s playoff hopes could be on the verge of vanishing.

Rockets Head to Charlotte, Look to Generate Positive Buzz in Tilt with Hornets

Rough Week Begins.    Stinging Absences.    Oladipo’s Opportunity.

Houston meets a rough patch in the schedule to start the week, playing 3 games in the next 4 nights. For a team already weakened by injuries, and players resting on certain ends of the back-to-backs, this week poses a challenge for the Rockets, despite the lack of elite opposition. Houston hits the road again to begin this stretch with a battle against the Hornets in Charlotte. The Hornets have a record of 11-13, and sit in the playoffs out East, but still are a below-average team compared to an average Western foe the Rockets would face. Under normal circumstances, I’d say Houston should definitely beat this team, but these are no ordinary circumstances by any means.

Christian Wood remains out for the Rockets, and both John Wall and Eric Gordon will be resting the first half of this back-to-back. Meaning Houston’s backcourt will be severely depleted. This game is a perfect opportunity for Victor Oladipo to slip out of his current slump, and lead Houston to a win. Oladipo’s still the best player on the court tonight. He can’t let any trade rumors get in his head and diminish his play. Victor hasn’t looked right the past two games. The Rockets need the Oladipo of old if they want to escape Charlotte with a win. Victor can prove he really wants to be a Rocket with a dominant performance tonight. Without Wall and Gordon, Oladipo will get plenty of looks, so tonight’s contest will be very telling where Victor’s mind’s at. Are these trade rumors affecting his play? Does he really want to play in Houston? The gossip started way before Oladipo even played his first game in a Rockets uniform. Tonight, he has a chance to silence the gossip (for now), with a big game in a Houston win tonight. It won’t be easy, but Oladipo has the potential to carry this Rockets team over a worse Hornets team tonight on the road.

Houston plays in New Orleans tomorrow night, a much tougher opponent. So Wall and Gordon will be back in the lineup Tuesday. But for tonight, the Rockets are going to be relying heavily on Victor Oladipo and Jae’Sean Tate to be the primary ball handlers on the floor, creating plays for themselves and other teammates. Everyone on Houston’s squad will see more minutes than usual. The Rockets would love to see a vintage Boogie performance from DeMarcus Cousins, who will once again be relied on heavily in the paint in Wood’s absence. If Houston can get solid games from Oladipo, Cousins, and Tate, the money should be in the Rockets favor. They’ll also need Sterling Brown, David Nwaba, along with someone else on the roster to step up… and they have a chance to soften this upcoming rough patch in the schedule with a win to start the week.

 

Spectrum Center:  Charlotte, North Carolina

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-11):  White

Charlotte Hornets (11-13):  Purple

 

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

Burnt Rubber:  Rockets Run Out of Gas, Drop Rubber Match to Spurs, 111-106

Cracks in the Wall.    Missing Christian.    Negative Buzz.

For the first time in the John Wall era, the Rockets lost with their new star point guard on the court, and seemed a bit off-track. Houston fell to San Antonio, 111-106, on Saturday night, as too much DeMar DeRozan, along with questionable officiating, kept the Rockets from winning the rubber match between these in-state rivals. Wall led Houston with 27 points, and Eric Gordon chipped had another solid game for the Rockets, topping the 20-point mark once again as EG finished with 26 points on the night. But those were pretty much the only bright spots for a Houston team that was desperately missing Christian Wood. San Antonio drives it to the basket almost more than any team in the league, and the Spurs got everything they wanted in the paint without Wood’s interior defensive presence. The Spurs led for nearly the entire game, until the Rockets managed to snag a two-point lead late, but Houston couldn’t hold on, and especially had no answers for DeRozan, who had arguably his best game of the season. San Antonio’s lethal midrange threat scored 30 points on 9-for-16 shooting, to go with 8 boards and 7 dimes, carrying the Spurs to victory as the game was close in clutch time.

The Rockets will be without their Wood for a few more games, who certainly would have prevented some of those DeRozan and other Spur layups. With 3 games in 4 nights coming up again this week starting on Monday, Houston needs to find a way to come together, and win as a team with whatever lineup Coach Stephen Silas employs on the floor. DeMarcus Cousins registered 12 points and 11 boards, but wasn’t as effective as he was in the prior games he started for Wood. The Rockets need DeMarcus to step up big-time during this stretch of games in which the team will be without Wood.

Victor Oladipo had his worst game as a Rocket. The former All-Star managed only 9 points on a  4-for-14 shooting night. With his name swirling in trade rumors, one has to wonder if it’s affecting his play on the court. It sure looks like it, as Oladipo’s Rockets debut in Chicago where he scored 32 points, seems like it’s in another time dimension, some forgotten past that will never return. Whatever it is, something’s not right with Vic. His energy and passion has noticeably decreased in the last few games, and without John Wall, Eric Gordon, and Christian Wood in their upcoming game in Charlotte, the Rockets will need Oladipo to the primary ball-handler. And he’s going to have to look like the Vic who torched the Bulls if Houston wants a chance to win short-handed.

The Rockets now head back on the road for five of their next six games. Houston’s quick pit stop back home didn’t turn out the way the squad wanted. But the Rockets have been pretty solid on the road lately. Winning five of their past six road game, Houston has a chance to bond together and tighten (or fix, in Oladipo’s case) this team’s chemistry to get back on the right track.

Rockets Return Home for a Quick Visit, Host Spurs in Round 3 of I-10 Rivalry

The Franchise Guy.    Reliable Cousins.    Pit Stop.   

“I feel like the franchise guy, now that James has left… I feel that’s my job, to be the leader of this team,” John Wall said recently. And so far this during this crazy season, that’s exactly who he’s been. Houston’s point guard looks to give their Rockets their 8th win in their last 9 games, as they host the San Antonio Spurs, tonight at Toyota Center. Both teams are in the thick of a crowded Western Conference standings. At 12-10, the Spurs hold the 6th seed. Sitting only half a game behind San Antonio, with a record of 11-10, Houston is sitting in the 10th seed. That can all change with a win tonight, as a victory would push the Rockets past the Spurs in the standings. And to beat their instate rival, who the squad’s facing for the third time already this season, they’re going to need their “franchise guy”, John Wall, to lead the team past a San Antonio team with the same goal as Houston: moving up in a jumbled, crowded West, with parity abound as we get the light to the halfway mark of the season can start to be seen at the end of the tunnel. No more talk of an early season. We’re well into this unique 72-game NBA regular season. And where about to find out what separates the pretenders, from the contenders.

It’s Round 3 between these I-10 rivals. The first two games between these squads came immediately after the James Harden trade. Houston was severely undermanned, yet came away with one of their most impressive wins of the season with a win in the first matchup. The Rockets were even more hindered in the second matchup, and couldn’t hang on to beat a well-coached Gregg Popovich team twice in a row, let alone short-handed. This time, Houston will be short-handed as well. In the Rockets win in Memphis on Thursday, Christian Wood suffered a nasty ankle sprain on the same ankle that caused him to miss time earlier this season. Luckily for Houston, an MRI revealed it’s just an ankle sprain, and nothing dire. The Rockets can’t afford to lose Wood long-term. He’s been a key factor in all of Houston’s wins when he’s been on the court this season. Unfortunately, Wood will miss at least a few games, including tonight’s tilt with the Spurs. The Rockets will rely on John Wall, Victor Oladipo, who rested in Memphis, and Eric Gordon, who’s been consistently impressive over the past few games, to bring the energy and lead the Rockets to victory. Jae’Sean Tate’s also coming off a career-high 19 points in Memphis, and will be the energizer bunny on Saturday night to keep Houston focused on defense. DeMarcus Cousins has been brilliant in games Christian Wood has missed this season. Especially recently, Cousins wound back the clock, and looked like the vintage All-Star Demarcus from years past, before the injuries. The Rockets need Cousins to continue this trend, and dominate the paint for Houston in Wood’s absence. 

Coming off a four-game road trip, the Rockets are only making a pit stop back in Houston to host San Antonio. After tonight, five of the squad’s next six games are on the road, as the Rockets continue this road-heavy portion of their schedule. The biggest stars might not be on the court Saturday night at Toyota Center, but it’s still a huge game tonight for both teams. To get an idea of how close the Western Conference standings are, only one game separates the 4th (Denver Nuggets) from the 10th (Houston). The Sacramento Kings, currently possessing the 11th seed, and happen to play the Nuggets this afternoon, are a mere two games behind Denver. And the 13th-seeded New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder lurk closely as well, only three games behind the 4th-seeded Nuggets. Expect lot of movement in the standings out West over the next few days. Depending on how tonight’s matchup (and others across the league fare), the Rockets could vault themselves up to the 6th seed with a win over the Spurs. A loss, and Houston could potentially fall back to the 11th seed. It’s a close as it gets this time of year out West. Playing a familiar rival for already the third time this season, the Rockets need all they can from the Kentucky Reunion: featuring none other than Boogie Cousins, and Houston’s new “franchise guy,” John Wall. Despite not having Wood, the Rockets should be in good hands tonight… as long as their leader does his job.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

San Antonio Spurs (12-10):  White

Houston Rockets (11-10):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rollin’ in Memphis:  Rockets Lose Wood to Injury Again, Tame Grizzlies, 115-103

Wooden History.    Unbreakable Wall.    4/11.    

Houston just can’t catch a break. The Rockets dominated the Grizzlies on Thursday night, 115-103, but the win didn’t come without a price. Christian Wood, having a breakout season for Houston, re-injured the same ankle that caused him to miss three games earlier in the season. This injury looked worse, and Wood’s expected to miss significant time, although no official word has leaked yet on when Houston’s star big man could possibly return. It’s unfortunate, as Wood was on his way to yet another double-double, garnering 17 points and 7 boards in only 20 minutes of action, before suffering the nasty sprain. Hopefully, the injury’s not as severe as it appeared to be in live action, as Wood is central to the Rockets success this season. Regardless, it’s a sight for sore eyes to see a long, lanky big-man already developing an injury history. Prayers up that this is the last of Wood’s misfortunes on the court. Without the leading candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player, Houston’s certainly lacking one of their most powerful weapons for the next few games. Luckily, this Rockets team is sneakily one of the deepest in the league.

John Wall returned after resting the previous night to out-duel Ja Morant, holding last year’s Rookie of the Year to only 15 points. Wall also led Houston’s balanced scoring attack, with 22 points, and dished out 8 dimes, as the Rockets improved to 6-0 when Wall plays after the James Harden trade, and 7-0 when Wall plays and Harden doesn’t, going back to before the exchange. Houston will only rely on Wall’s talents even more, as Wood’s absence will require everyone on the squad to step up during his recovery period. And Jae’Sean Tate had his best offensive game of his career, blasting off for a career-high 19 points while bringing the usual intensity and energy. Despite losing Wood for at least a few games, the Rockets star point guard proved on Thursday night he’s the leader this Houston squad needs, a much more mature, vocal guide than the Rockets’ previous “leader”, James Harden. As the Victor Oladipo and P.J. Tucker trade rumors continue to swirl, Houston can only hope the squad keeps winning, and can prove to their front office that no more swaps are needed.

And despite being 10th in the West standings, the Rockets are bunched up amidst a group of teams that are clustered within a couple games. Only two games separate the 4th and the 11th seed out West. Houston, in particular, is only a game behind fourth, while at the same time only one game away from the 11th seed. The Rockets are approaching a pivotal stretch where the next few contests should scramble up the parity in the standings, with Houston hoping to get scrambled near the top.  Up next, the Rockets take on the Spurs for the third time already this season. Houston went 1-1 in their Alamo miniseries earlier in the season. Hopefully, the third time’s the charm, and the Rockets can boost ahead of the Spurs in the standings, and for the time being… catch a little break.

Rockets Look to Bounce Back in Memphis in Second Game in as Many Nights

Role Swap.    Back in a Flash.    Come at Ja.

 

It’s hard to beat an NBA team back-to-back, as the Rockets have learned twice this season, their latest in Wednesday night’s blowout loss in OKC. Houston doesn’t have to wait long. It’s even harder to beat a better, talented team, on the second night of a back-to-back. The Grizzlies aren’t a powerhouse, but they have one of the best young point guards in basketball, Ja Morant. John Wall sat out yesterday so he can try and slow Ja down tonight, as they will likely be matched up with each other frequently on the court. Victor Oladipo will be resting tonight, as he played in Wall’s spot as the primary ball-handler in last night’s loss.

Despite the poor performance in their last game, the Rockets can get back on track with an impressive win. A road victory on the second night of a back-to-back is always a positive sign, regardless of the opponent, rather for building chemistry. It’s Houston’s third game in four nights, and the Rockets are bound to have tired legs. Wall rested yesterday, so he should have more energy, and hopefully put on an inspiring performance against one of the NBA’s best point guards. Eric Gordon’s led the scoring charge the last two games for Houston. The Rockets need EG to be splashing from deep if they want a chance to escape Memphis with a victory.

Memphis is 9-7, and had been hit by the coronavirus earlier in the season, hence the reason they’ve played 4 less games than Houston. The Grizzlies are coming off a blowout loss in Indiana, to an underrated Pacers team. Before that, Memphis won seven games in a row, which, at the time, was the NBA’s longest winning-streak. Expect a good matchup tonight. Hopefully tired legs don’t down the Rockets, and Wall can attack Ja, and maybe get Memphis’ MVP in foul trouble. Otherwise, Houston could be in trouble on Thursday night. Playing their third game in four nights, it won’t be easy in Memphis tonight, but these hard-nosed Rockets were built for difficult situations. And on a Thursday night in Memphis, anything can happen when these two hard-headed divisional rivals clash. If you thought last night’s game was difficult… expect tonight’s matchup to be much harder for Houston.

 

FedExForum:  Memphis, Tennessee

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-10):  Red

Memphis Grizzlies (9-7):  Black

 

TV:  8 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Thunder-Snapped:  OKC Repays the Favor, Snaps Houston’s Win Streak, Blowout Rockets, 104-87

Needing Johnny.    Oh No Dipo.    Singing the Blues.

As expected, the Rockets regressed to the mean after their record-shooting night on Monday, and without John Wall, had their six-game winning streak snapped in OKC. The Thunder won this one handily, 104-87, giving the Rockets a taste of their own medicine, with Houston never in reach, this game was uglier than the final score states. Houston trailed by 23 going into the final period, and without Wall to lead the way, and Oladipo, struggling (for other reasons I’ll touch on in a moment), the Rockets had no hopes without the shots not falling on Wednesday night.

The Rockets are now 8-4 when John Wall suits up, and only 2-6 when he doesn’t play. Houston needed thier most valuable Wall on Wednesday. Despite not having their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder won from start to finish. It just shows it really is difficult to beat the same team twice in a row, regardless of who’s on the court. The familiarity leads to adjustments, which leads to closer rematches, with often a different result. Houston’s split both their mini-series this season, 1-1, first in San Antonio, and now in OKC.

Eric Gordon, the only Rocket who played up to par, led the way for Houston with 22 points. Victor Oladipo only managed to score 19 on a night where the Rockets really could’ve used a performance similar to his Houston debut. And now, the trade rumors are swirling. After just one loss, Victor Oladipo and P.J. Tucker have been in trade talks recently, according to sources close with the team. I wish they would let this group gel. Despite the poor Wednesday night, the Rockets are still 7-4 since the trade, as opposed to 3-6 before. Allow this team time to get synchronized on the same level, and the Rockets can definitely contend in the West. But if they trade Victor Oladipo, and P.J. Tucker, they have no chance. Maybe if they trade Oladipo and get a valuable player in return. But if you trade the heart and soul of the Rockets, especially their defense, the side they struggle most with… you’re basically tanking.

There’s no time to sing the blues, as Houston gets right back in action on Thursday night in Memphis, facing off against the Grizzlies. Memphis is led by stud sophomore Ja Morant, off to his best season, proving he’ll be one of the best point guards in the league for years to come. The Rockets have to tune out the trade drama whirling around the squad once again. John Wall returns on Thursday, and hopefully he can steer the Rockets to an impressive road victory in Memphis on the second night of a back-to-back… I’m expecting it.

Rockets Seeking Deja Vu in Their Rematch with Thunder

Seventh Heaven.    The Mike Jones All-Stars.    Next Man Up.

“When I step between those lines, I want you to be able to go to war with me, and fight for me,” John Wall said on the importance of Houston’s team-bonding dinners and why speaking your mind to teammates is so important. These intimate dining sessions take place more often on the road, as everyone is usually together, instead of in their own homesteads. And tonight, the Rockets didn’t travel, but they’re still on the road, just in the same spot as last time… OKC, where the Thunder almost had to call the National Weather Service after the Rockets’ record-setting 28 threes blasted OKC’s chances out of Chesapeake Bay Arena. Houston will attempt to repeat their electric Monday-night performance tonight, as the Rockets, owners of the league’s longest winning streak, shoot for their seventh straight win. But it won’t be as easy this time.

Tonight is the first of a back-to-back for Houston, as the squad travels to Memphis to face the Grizzlies tomorrow. Therefore, for precautionary matters, John Wall will sit out tonight’s game and rest in preparation for Thursday. Expect Victor Oladipo, who will be resting tomorrow, to have a big game, and Christian Wood to put up what he’s been posting: All-Star numbers on a nightly-basis. Guys like Ben McLemore, Mason Jones, and really everyone will see extended minutes without Wall, and David Nwaba still out with an injury. But unlike Rockets teams of the past seasons, this squad is built for that “next-man-up” mentality. This is a team full of guys, who back in the past, weren’t really wanted in their previous destinations. A group of players motivated with a collective chip on their shoulder. Watching these Rockets play is like listening to “Back Then,” by Houston’s own Mike Jones, on repeat. This squad is playing with that “Mike Jones” attitude: “back then they didn’t want me, now I’m hot, they all on me.” Minus their floor leader tonight, and an expected regression to the mean (the Rockets won’t hit 28 threes again tonight), tonight will be a tougher test than Monday’s blowout by Houston.

Despite not having John Wall, the Rockets are still more talented than this Thunder team. And while they may not win by 30, they should win tonight if they play with their usual hungry Houston intensity. The squad probably won’t set another franchise-record for threes tonight, so expect more drives to the basket, and more of a gritty, grind-out, lower scoring game than Monday’s first affair between these two West foes. The Rockets are still in the midst of climbing their way back up the standings in the Western Conference. There’s no time to celebrate, regardless if they’re riding the NBA’s longest winning-streak, Houston needs to keep beating the bad teams, as their schedule will only toughen in the future. With another game tomorrow night, the Rockets would love to see Deja Vu, and silence the Thunder early like they did on Monday. John Wall’s absence will hurt the Rockets, but Houston should have enough spirit in them to fight for him on the court. If Wall could, he would do just the same.

 

Chesapeake Bay Arena:  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-9):  White

Oklahoma City Thunder (8-11):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW