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Houston Aims to Stop Boston’s Streak, Rockets Battle Celtics in Final Game Before Break

Key Communication.    Rollin’ C’s.    Streak-Enders.

The Rockets play their final game before the All-Star break on Tuesday night, as they host the streaking Boston Celtics. Houston is coming off a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer to Utah, at Toyota Center. Tonight, the squad will attempt to rid the sour taste that loss left with a victory over a very good Celtics team. Since dropping three straight games in the middle of January, Boston has been on a tear. Coming into Houston for tonight’s showdown, the Celtics are riding a 7-game winning streak, and have victories in 10 of their last 11 games. The Rockets are looking to avoid their own three game losing streak. Eric Gordon remains out for Houston, but if the Rockets play up to their potential, they should win tonight without EG. However, it won’t be easy. The Celtics close out their pre-All-Star break schedule with a date with the Clippers. They’re playing well in the midst of a tough stretch, with a sense of urgency. It’s something Houston could learn a thing or two from. Tuesday night gives the Rockets a chance to show the national audience they can still beat great teams when playing with focus and heart from start to finish.

Boston’s Kemba Walker, who they traded for Kyrie Irving in the offseason, along with Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward, are the Celtics biggest threats. But this is one of the deeper teams in the league, especially on the perimeter. The C’s also have Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, defensive forces whose offensive games are less consistent. Boston also picked up the NBA’s most underrated offensive rebounder, in Enes Kanter. Look for Kanter to pose huge problems for the Rockets in the post. Kanter’s one of the few bigs left in the league with a solid post-up game. Expect Boston to look for mismatches Kanter exploits when he’s on the floor. Houston needs to be ready to double, and box out Kanter when he crashes the glass. Daniel Theis has emerged as a reliable starter for the Celtics this season, and has more of a traditional outside game seen in today’s NBA.

  Basically, the Rockets have their hands full tonight. Boston has plenty of players with strong driving ability. Containing the drive was Houston’s biggest weakness in their previous loss to Utah. Eric Gordon won’t be coming back tonight, so other guys will have to step up for the Rockets. It’s Ben McLemore’s birthday today, and Houston’s going to need a big night from Benny Mac if they want to top the Celtics. Hopefully, the birthday boy has some luck he can bring to the squad that’s stronger than the Irish.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Boston Celtics (37-15):  Green

Houston Rockets (33-20):  Black

 

TV:  8:30 PM CT – TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Heartbreak Houston Part Deux: Jazz Stun Rockets at the Buzzer, 114-113

‘Viched.    Crush City.    Relauch.

 

In a stunner, the Rockets lost at the buzzer for the second time at home this season, falling to the Jazz, 114-113 on Sunday night. It’s also the second time this season Houston’s had a 2-point lead with under 2 seconds remaining in a game, and lost. The Rockets failure to deny a perimeter shot at all costs, cost them a game again. This time, it was Bojan Bogdanovic who delivered the final dagger for Utah. Houston actually defended the final play well, with P.J. Tucker and James Harden contesting the shot. Nonetheless, Bojan knocked down the tough shot, and the Rockets got ‘viched at the buzzer. Harden had a triple-double with 28 points, 10 boards , and 10 assists. Westbrook continues to be the Rockets best player, tallying 39 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 dimes, but none of it matters. Houston has to learn how to close out teams. It’s a trait all championship contenders possess, and one the Rockets currently lack. Houston had a chance to extinguish  Utah’s chances earlier in the game, but let the Jazz hang around until it was too late.

After Sunday’s loss to the Jazz, this season has felt more and more like the year of crushing defeats. Houston seems to lose in heartbreaking fashion, or to the league’s bottom-feeders. It’s been a tough season, but there’s still 29 games to go, with one more remaining before the All-Star break. The Rockets close out the break against another tough opponent, the Boston Celtics, on  Tuesday night at Toyota Center.

Houston needs a relaunch after Sunday’s stunner. Eric Gordon didn’t play, and he’ll remain out until after the All-Star break. EG’s absence was sorley felt on Sunday. The Jazz got layups with ease as the Rockets’ perimeter defense suffered without Splash Gordon in the lineup. EG won’t be around to help Houston against Boston. The Rockets will need to prepare to get up-and-down with a versatile and deep Celtics team. If Houston gets the chance, they need to close the C’s out early, otherwise a stunner at the buzzer could potentially loom… they say bad things come in three’s.

 

 

Rockets Host Jazz in Crucial Conference Showdown

Different Tune.    Reality Check.    Upper Hand.

Tonight, the Rockets will get Russell Westbrook back as they’ll try and skip ahead of the Jazz in the standings with a win over their conference rival. This game sings a different tune from when the last time these squads faced off. Back in Utah, Houston was minus Harden and Westbrook, and the Jazz were the one’s rolling, with the Rockets looking for a boost. This time, it’s a different story. Utah escaped their last match over Portland courtesy of a terrible call late that basically cost the Blazers the game, and gave the Jazz a victory that broke their 5-game losing-streak. A slide that began with Houston’s victory in Salt Lake City last week. The embarassing loss in Phoenix broke a 4-game winning streak for the Rockets, who’ve been rolling with Westbrook on the court.

After an impressive win over the Lakers, followed by a disappointing loss in Phoenix without Russell Westbrook, tonight presents a reality check for the new-look mini-Rockets. They’re back at full strength, hosting a Western Conference playoff team. Sunday night’s game will test the power of Houston’s small-ball strategy. The Jazz have the best shot-blocker in basketball, Rudy Gobert, who will pose problems on the defensive end for Brodie and other Rockets who drive to the rim. Houston needs to knock down their shots tonight in order to secure the win. Look for Utah’s streaky shooter from Australia, Joe Ingles, to be the key to tonight’s match. When Ingles plays well against the Rockets, it usually means problems for Houston. But when the Aussie is kept in check, the Rockets usually handle the Jazz. Houston has to keep their eye on Ingles at all times, and can’t afford to leave him open. Mike Conley has slowly made a return to form over his last three games. Utah’s point guard could be in for a sneaky effective night if the Rockets are off their guard. And then, there’s of course Donovan MItchell. The first-time All-Star is one of the league’s best young scorers, and along with another new All-Star, Rudy Gobert, pose a dual inside-outside threat to Houston’s defense.

Whoever comes away with the victory in Sunday’s matchup gets the upper hand in the standings, at least for now. Utah (33-18) is currently a half-game up on the Rockets (33-19) in the standings. It’s a big game as Houston looks to close out their pre-All-Star break portion of the season with two big wins at home. After Sunday, the Celtics come to town for the final game before the break on Tuesday. Westbrook will be back for both games. Starting Sunday, hopefully the entire team returns to feeding off Brodie’s energy on the court.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (33-18):  Blue

Houston Rockets (33-19):  Red

 

TV:  6 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Suns Extinguish Brodie-Less Rockets, 127-91

Heavily Handicapped.    Needing Big Help.    Westbrook’s Team?

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” Clarence asks in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. Something I asked myself after witnessing another hopeless Rockets team minus Westbrook. Just the night earlier, it was a wonderful life for these Rockets, but it’s crazy the impact one player’s absence can have on a team. Houston just isn’t the same team without Russell Westbrook. And his absence was sorely felt, as the Rockets got torched by the Suns, 127-91, for an embarrassing loss. Houston trailed by as many as 22 in the first quarter, cut the deficit to 5 shortly before halftime, but the Rockets couldn’t withstand Phoenix’s hot shooting, and ended up getting blow out by the Suns. The 91 points are a season-low for Houston this season. After outscoring the Suns 29-19 in the second quarter to get back in the game, the Rockets only managed 36 points in the second half, hence the blowout.

This game was evident that when Brodie doesn’t play, Houston needs help in the size area. Harden isn’t as much of an attacking-force as Westbrook. Come playoff time, the Rockets need a big body to put on the floor, at times in certain situations, when the game slows down. Hopefully they find a diamond in the rough in the buyout market. There are several options out there, but they need to act. The Bucks just got Marvin Williams. No big-names remain, but that’s irrelevant. Houston just needs a big body.

After Friday night’s burnout in Phoenix, nearly half of Houston’s losses have come to teams with losing records. Thankfully, there will be no inferior competition in the postseason. What the squad’s doing now just hurts their playoff seeding in the future. Luckily for the Rockets, there’s no back-to-back games in the playoffs. So, Westbrook will play every game unless he’s injured. Which begs the question, since he’s needed so much… is this Westbrook’s team? It doesn’t matter, as long as the squad’s truly focused on winning the title. But for now, the way this squad goes is trending in Brodie’s direction. When he sits out on one of those back-to-backs, like he did in Phoenix, Russ sure leaves an awful hole… one the Rockets have trouble filling.

Rockets Land in the Desert for Meeting with Suns

Overnight Trap.    Attacking Ayton.    Harden’s Way. 

A new age in Rockets basketball continues on Saturday night as Houston takes on the Suns in Phoenix. It’s the second night of a back-to-back for the squad. The Rockets are coming off an impressive win over the Lakers, but can’t get too full of themselves. The Suns are 20-31, and on the outside of the playoff picture. And they’re just the type of team, especially on the second night of back-to-back for Houston, who could give the Rockets trouble. The Suns are the worst team Houston will play before the All-Star break. Afer tonight’s game, the Rockets return home for tough games against Utah and Boston, but can’t afford to overlook these Suns. Houston will be without Russell Westbrook tonight, as he rests on the second night of this back-to-back. That means James Harden will be given the green light to facilitate all offensive necessities. Look for the Beard to have a big night with Brodie on the sidelines. If the Rockets come into Phoenix with a lackluster attitude, Houston will lose tonight without Westbrook. The Rockets need to carry that passion and energy that was on display in L.A. into the valley of the sun.

The biggest threat to Houston tonight is Phoenix’s DeAndre Ayton. In his second season, after missing the first 25 games of the season due to suspension, Ayton is blossoming into a productive player. He will be licking his chomps at the Pocket Rockets. Houston needs ti attack Ayton, and get the big-man in foul trouble. Devin Booker, the Suns All-Star who was almost-was, is just as good, or better, than many All-Stars. Booker is a scoring machine who has the ability to go-off any night. His career high in an NBA game is 70 points. No one’s topped that mark since.

The Rockets will look to go the route of the Beard on Saturday night against the Suns. Harden only took 10 shots last night, so expect James to be trigger-happy tonight in Phoenix. Robert Covington gets his second go-round with the squad. It’ll be tough to top his sensational debut, which was about as perfect as Rockets fans could’ve hoped for. Hopefully, RoCo and the mini-Rockets continue to play with the passion and energy this style requires for success. Without Brodie, everyone’s going to get more chance to shine.

 

Talking Stick Resort Arena:  Phoenix, Arizona

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (33-18):  White

Phoenix Suns (20-31):  Orange

 

TV:  8 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

It’s a Small World After All:  Pocket Rockets Stun Lakers, 121-111

Rockets in Space.    Sensational Debut.    Game-Changers.

“Sometimes it’s important to give people the illusion of being in control.” Dr. Melfi says in the epic TV-saga, The Sopranos. In Los Angeles, that’s exactly what the Rockets did coming into their big matchup with the West’s top-seeded Lakers. Heading into Thursday night’s showdown in L.A., everyone was laughing at Houston’s decision to permanently go the way of small-ball. The jokes didn’t stop. A nationally televised game on TNT, the crew had their fare share of laughs throughout the pre-game and halftime show about Houston’s lack of height. But by the time the buzzer sounded on Thursday night it was the Rockets who had the last laugh, shocking the Lakers at Staples Center, 121-111. In a tightly contested matchup, Houston closed the game on a 19-5 run to take control, and pull ahead for the victory. Russell Westbrook, who continues to play on an MVP-caliber level, was unleashed against the Lakers. No Clint Capela means way more space for Brodie. Russ attacked the basket relentlessly and led the way for Houston, finishing with 41 points, on an insanely efficient 17-for-28 shooting. Not even Anthony Davis’ height could affect Westbrook’s shot, who was 6-for-8 on midrange attempts while defended by the Brow. Brodie also grabbed 8 boards and dished out 5 assists, as at least for one game, the trade has proven to be a marvel for the Rockets, especially Westbrook. James Harden had a quiet night, if you only look at the box score. The Beard’s quietly stepped back, and allowed this basketball evolution to take place. He’s slowly stepped back, and allowed the potent tandem of Brodie and Benny Mac to take the forefront during their current winning streak. Harden attempted only 10 shots against the Lakers, making 3 of them for 14 points. But the Beard also had 7 boards and 7 assists, and continues to lead by example on the court. If Harden isn’t buying into small-ball, none of the Rockets will. And so far, the Beard is all-in on Houston’s micro-ball style. It may mean less touches for Harden. Westbrook is a better pure driver to the basket, and will benefit the most from Clint Capela’s departure. It doesn’t matter to the Beard if it means more wins, and a chance at the ultimate goal in June. 

Robert Covington was sensational in his debut. The newest Rocket played like he’s been here all season long. RoCo fit into Houston’s style seamlessly, scoring 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting, along with solid defense. More importantly, he was efficient from deep, going 4-for-6 from downtown, including two clutch three’s late in the game. RoCo also had 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, most notably a late swat on Anthony Davis in Houston’s biggest defensive play of the night. RoCo also finished with the team’s highest plus/minus, with Houston outscoring L.A. by 16 with Covington on the court in 29 minutes of action. Speaking of defense, the Rockets thrill and joy to buy-in to this style on offense seeped into the other end of the floor. Houston’s defense was actively engaged and inspired. These guys love playing this way, and it’s beautiful to watch. They surrendered only 11 second-chance points, and were out-rebounded by only 1 board all night. Those were supposed to be the weak areas for this mini-Rockets team. But Houston put so much effort into their style, you can tell they really want to make it work. As a fan, you can’t help but love the Rockets’ energy and passion. If this scheme is going to continue to work, the passion for the style can never fade.

Slowly but surely… this Rockets team has become, and has the potential to truly be a group of game-changers. Everyone who played for Houston in their win over the Lakers was 6’7 or shorter. The last time that happened before these Rockets? More than 50 years ago, back in 1963. Everyone’s asking the question: is this micro-ball style sustainable? Well, Houston doesn’t have a choice but to go small. It’s honestly their best chance at winning the championship in today’s modern NBA. The center position is truly dead, as witnessed by Detroit’s dumping of the NBA’s top-rebounder, Andre Drummond, to Cleveland, of all places. GM’s in the league nowadays truly believe that big men who can’t shoot with range have no place on Championship teams. Houston is now 5-0 since they’ve gone with this micro-ball style. A small sample size, or something more? As more games come, we’ll know how effective and potent this style can become. You don’t have to wait long for the next game. Houston travels to Phoenix for the second night of a back-to-back. They’ll have a big test in the Suns’ DeAndre Ayton, one of the best young big men in the league, who’s finally blossoming into a promising player in his second season. The Rockets have to keep that passion and energy for playing small and fast. Size doesn’t matter. But continue to let everyone think it does… sometimes it’s important to give people the illusion of being in control.

Size-able Test:  Rockets Battle Lakers in First Game Since Trade Deadline

Micro-Ballers.    The Heights Five.    All In.

“How many times do I have to teach you: just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be improved,” Shuri states in the film Black Panther. A quote that came to mind after all the deadline-madness. And the Rockets made the boldest statement of all at the trade deadline. Houston shipped off homegrown Center Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks in four-team deal, and received Robert Covington, the man they’ve been after. A player who suits the Rockets style of play perfectly. RoCo makes his Rockets debut tonight, as Houston begins a new-era of small-ball in the NBA. In their first game as the NBA’s “Micro-Ballers”, the Rockets battle the Lakers on Thursday night in a TNT national TV exclusive. Houston gets a tough test, as Anthony Davis will pose a giant problem to a Rockets team whose rotation now consists of no one taller than 6’7. Hopefully, the deadline moves will force Coach Mike D’Antoni to play Isaiah Hartenstein when Houston needs to put more size on the court. Harty has been great when he’s seen rare playing time this season. Robert Covington gets a chance to immediately show the impact he can bring, against a championship-caliber opponent. The Lakers have dedicated the season to Kobe Bryant and will have more emotional motivation in the long-run, led by the ultimate leader, LeBron James. On Thursday night, the Rockets will try and get closer to the King’s throne by knocking off the Lakers in an upset with a national TV audience as witnesses.

Tonight marks the first of back-to-back for Houston. The squad travels to Phoenix tomorrow night for a tilt with the Suns. Russell Westbrook has rested on the second night of back-to-backs this season, although that will change tonight. D’Antoni announced that Russ will play tonight, and rest tomorrow instead. A smart move, as Houston has a chance to beat L.A. with a full lineup. Tomorrow’s weaker Phoenix team can be dispatched with Brodie on the sidelines. This small-lineup has drawn up comparisons to Golden State’s “Hamptons 5” lineup that consisted of a similarly small lineup: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, and Harrison Barnes. A Warriors team that won the championship before Kevin Durant arrived to bring them two more titles. Due to their lack of size, call these Rockets the, “Heights 5.” A lineup that will consist of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Robert Covington, P.J. Tucker, and either Danuel House Jr., Eric Gordon, or Ben McLemore. It’s not clear at the moment who will start. I’m assuming House will get the starting nod. But nonetheless, Houston will have a potently small lineup on the court the majority of the time.

With the move, Rockets GM Daryl Morey has decided to go all-in on Houston’s small-ball style. Getting Covington creates a copious amount of floor space for Harden and Westbrook to work with. They can isolate and destroy their defenders, and if the double-team comes, potent shooters will be lining the perimeter. Moving Clint Capela was essentially about creating more space for Westbrook. The two were never on the same page, and Houston as a team has started to trend toward less pick-and-roll, and more isolation. Capela was useful in pick-and-roll. When Harden and Westbrook isolated, Capela clogged the paint due to his inability to make perimeter shots. Clint couldn’t step out, and it created havoc situations that made it easier for the opponent to defend Houston’s drive, dish, and shoot style of play. Now, there’s no one clogging the interior. The Rockets have all the room in the world to run teams out of the building every night. Tonight, they’re going to get a real test. The Lakers are still the top seed out West. They still have Anthony Davis, the league’s biggest interior threat. He’s going to be a handful for this small Houston lineup. Thursday night will go a long way in showing if this was the right move, and if this style works against teams with dominant big men. Not many elite teams have truly dominant centers. Anthony Davis is one of the few true centers left in the league, and the most dominant… by far. It’s the first game for these new-look Rockets. So a loss, won’t necessarily mean the trade’s the culprit. However, if Houston can manage to micro-ball their way to an upset, it’s a great sign for the future. The Rockets didn’t have problems when Capela didn’t play. Houston went 10-1 this season without Capela. Maybe they didn’t need him after all. Maybe all they needed to do was ton fully dedicate themselves to their style of play. Adding RoCo gives the Rockets a perfect player for D’Antoni’s isolation-heavy, perimeter-oriented offense, as well as a solid defender. Houston might have won a title with Clint Capela. We’ll never know. We do know the Rockets believed a move was necessary to improve the squad. They took a cue from Black Panther… just because something works, doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.

 

Staples Center:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (32-18):  Red

Los Angeles Lakers (38-11):  Yellow

 

TV:  9:30 PM CT – TNT

Rockets Buzz Past Hornets, 125-110, For Third Straight Win

Defending Home.    Drafted, Developed… Ditched.    End of a Chapter.

The Rockets finished off a perfect home-stand, with a 125-110 win over the Hornets on Tuesday night. James Harden led the way, as Russell Westbrook continues to nurse his wrist. The Beard finished with 40 points, 12 dimes, and 9 rebounds. Danuel House Jr. continues to emerge back to his early season form of consistency. House scored 22 points, and grabbed 9 boards on the night. P.J. Tucker had 13 points and 10 rebounds (something he’ll be asked to do a lot of in the future), as Houston won their third straight game. The Rockets improved to a stellar 18-2 when they score at least 120 points. Despite the winning streak, and having notched victories in six of eight games… this Rocket-ship has been shaken. Big changes have been made for the rest of the season.

As the NBA’s trade-deadline approached, the Rockets made the biggest in-season deal in the James Harden-era. Houston’s GM Daryl Morey just went all-in on Houston’s small-ball style, trading Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks for Minnesota’s Robert Covington in a four-team trade involving twelve players. Those were the big names in the deal. Houston also dealt Gerald Green, Nene, and a future first-round pick, and got RoCo and Jordan Bell. Earlier today, before the deadline, the Rockets swapped Bell for Bruno Caboclo in a head-scratching move. Bell is the more experienced player, and Caboclo played in Houston a few seasons ago. Regardless, it doesn’t matter, neither player will see much court time. The big news is Capela for Covington. The Rockets have sought RoCo’s services since last off-season, when Houston and his name were linked in potential moves. And on Tuesday night, after the Rockets 3rd straight win, and improving to 4-0 playing micro-ball, Morey decided to  finally get his man. We’ll have to wait and see how the move impacts Houston. The Rockets’ GM has a history of making the right moves, but this is a big risk. It’s sad to see Clint Capela go. The Rockets drafted Clint, and saw him grow from a raw unknown player into the verge of an NBA-All Star during his time in Houston. Besides being an underrated big man, who suffered from injuries (that I believe influenced this deal), Capela was great with the fans. Frequently stopping for pictures and autographs, Capela was also the host in terms of entertainment on Houston’s big-screen scoreboard during time-outs. The leagues is moving in a new direction, and Capela’s inability to shoot the three shows how perimeter-oriented the Rockets, and the NBA, have becomes. Houston had one of the league’s best young big-men, but now he’s gone to Georgia. All their chips are in on the small-ball style. And if they’re going to do this, the Rockets got the right man.

Welcome to Houston, Robert Covington. Or welcome back, Covington played in 7 games with the Rockets in his first season back inn 2013-14. Covington, aka RoCo, is the definition of a 3-and-D player. Covington has been especially hot of-late from three, and is a great defender on the perimeter. The move essentially creates space for Harden and Westbrook to attack at all times, with multiple open shooters on the permitter ready to launch threes. It’s the definition of what’s evolved into today’s style of Houston Rockets basketball. Capela was a casualty of the Russell-Westbrook trade. The Rockets needed to create more space. And with RoCo, Houston now gets to play exactly how they want. Expect Houston, who already lead the league in three’s attempted per game, to launch even more shots from distance. This is the biggest in-season move the Rockets have made with Harden at the helm. Green will likely be back next season, as his contract was bought out from Denver, the team acquiring him.  But if the Rockets win this year, Green won’t get a ring, which doesn’t feel right. Gerald has been along for the ride since Houston scooped him up from his couch, two seasons ago. And giving up a first-rounder in addition to Nene and Green for basically only RoCo, doesn’t makes sense, other than for financial reasons. The Rockets still have two open roster-spots to fill on the buyout-market. Houston still needs a big man. They’ll find one before the playoffs, it won’t be someone on Capela’s level, but for now, the Rockets just need size, for certain matchups. And to give P.J. Tucker a break, who will now officially become Houston’s starting center. Many, including myself, are questioning this trade. But if Covington adjusts to Houston’s style as expected… this move could come as an unexpected surprise.

Buzzy Affair:  Rockets Battle Hornets, Homestand Comes to an End

Game 50.    Staying Put.    Closing Strong. 

The Rockets embark on their 50th battle of chance this season, as a highly unpredictable season in Houston Rockets basketball continues. Tonight, the Charlotte Hornets come to town, as Houston tries to makes this season moren predicatable. Charlotte is 16-34, and one of the worst teams in basketball. Houston is 31-18 heading into game number 50 on Tuesday night, seeking their sixth win in the last eight games. All advantages point in the Rockets’ favor. A Tuesday night home game with the Hornets has James Harden and 50 points written all over it. Just seems like the kind of game where the Beard will erupt… and he’s long overdue for a big night. Granted, Harden’s coming off a 40-point affair, but the Beard was nearly averaging 40 a month into the season. A long-awaited Harden 50-Burger is within reach. Houston has more rest coming into tonight… Charlotte played last night, while the Rockets haven’t played since Sunday afternoon. Houston’s at home, where they’ve played better, as opposed to away from Toyota Center. And the Rockets are plain and simply, the better team. The Hornets are in rebuilding mode, still trying to figure out the centerpieces of their franchise. The Rockets, working towards their ultimate goal of a championship, have all the pieces in place… as long as they don’t make matters more difficult for themselves.

Speaking of difficulties… tonight’s game is a buzzier affair than usual. Clint Capela’s name is currently in trade talks with several teams, as Houston seems intent on trading their big man. Personally, I think the move would kill any chances the Rockets have at a Championship. Sure, the small-ball lineup’s worked for a few games, but in the playoffs, Houston needs to keep their big-man. The Warriors aren’t in the running this year (the only team Capela struggled against last year), and Clint’s currently working through an injury. When Capela’s been healthy, he’s outplayed some of the NBA’s best big men, including Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert in the past two postseasons. Capela’s more than held his own when healthy, and had a run earlier this season when he was nearly a 20/20 machine, putting up close to 20 points and 20 boards a night. Houston needs to have a little patience, and instill more faith and confidence in their big man. The Rockets have one of the best young centers in a league that’s rapidly getting rid of the position. Houston can’t afford to throw Capela away for future assets, or less value. And there’s not a better big man on the market than Clint Capela. The Rockets are best off staying put, and praying their entire squad can be blessed with health when the playoffs roll around.

Tonight marks the final game of a Houston’s 3-game homestand. The Rockets will try and make it a perfect triplet of games with a victory tonight, before they head West for a short two-game trip against the Lakers and Suns. All signs point to Houston winning tonight, but when that’s been the situation entering a game this season, the Rockets have often pulled the rug out from under out expectations. Anything can happen tonight. With new Clint Capela trade rumors swirling, and the Lakers looming… this matchup against a bad Hornets team has the slight feel of a trap game. Houston has to be ready to play, and treat their opponents with respect. Get a big lead, and maybe this exhausted Rockets rotation can get a breather before the upcoming back-to-back on the road. Look for Houston to get a rare easy victory in game 50 of this season, before the squad hits the road for the final 32-game stretch. It will be very telling, how this game is played out, where Houston is at the 50-game mark of the season. And hopefully, this isn’t the last game with Capela’s name on the roster. Whether they believe it or not, Houston isn’t winning a ‘chip without Clint. I know the numbers say the Rockets are 9-1 without Capela. But I believe the numbers don’t tell the entire tale. In general, this Houston team plays better when they’re short-handed, or feel like they’re the underdogs. It’s when the Rockets are completely healthy, at full-strength, when they’re at the most dangerous to themselves. The squad gets too cocky, arrogant, or full of themselves to overcome their own ego. A lot of this comes down to waiting for the playoffs, and Houston knowing this season is championship or bust. It’s hard to take all these regular season games seriously when you know in your heart you can beat anyone, and the playoffs are all that matter. But if the Rockets don’t start getting some easy victories to ease the wear-and-tear of guys like Tucker and Harden, they won’t have any gas left for the playoffs. Peaking further down the road, Houston’s definitely running into a big man, whether it be Anrthony Davis, Jokic, Gobert, or Embiid, in the playoffs this spring. And without Capela, their own big man, Houston won’t stand a chance.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Charlotte Hornets (16-34):  Blue

Houston Rockets (31-18):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Harden’s 40 Points Help Rockets Fend-Off Scrappy Pelicans, 117-109

Promising Future.    The Return of Jimmy Edwards?    Small Ballers.

The future face of the NBA swooped into Toyota Center on Sunday afternoon, for his first game in Houston. Duke’s Zion Williamson, the most anticipated rookie since LeBron James, had 21 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort, as the Rockets held off the Pelicans for a 117-109 victory at Toyota Center. Zion had a few highlight dunks in an efficient night, but the promising rook has a ways to go to reach his potential heights of greatness. James Harden bounced back, and comforted fans hopes that the Beard’s shaken out of his slump. Harden led Houston with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 dimes. The Beard also shot an efficient 12-for-24 from the field, including 7-for-15 from downtown. Russell Westbrook and Ben McLemore finished with 22 points apiece for the Rockets, and Danuel House had a double-double, with 12 points and 12 boards. Houston held the Pelicans to 16 fourth-quarter points, and turned the defense up in the clutch. First-year All-Star and fellow Dukie Brandon Ingram, led New Orleans with 28 points, but it wasn’t enough, as the Rockets’ firepower kept the birds at bay.

With Clint Capela still sidelined due to injury, P.J. Tucker, at 6’6, was once again the tallest man to play for Houston. The Rockets are now 3-0 with their “small-ball” lineup, which consists of P.J. Tucker as the tallest player to suit up for Houston. This style has worked in the short-term, but only time will tell if it will have long-term benefits. I think it’s only going to wear down P.J. Tucker even more. Mike D’Antoni needs to give Isaiah Hartenstein some playing time. Harty’s been excellent when he’s seen the court. For some reason, the coach has refused to play a guy he called “Houston’s backup-center” earlier this season. Championship teams don’t win without an inside presence. Those Golden State championship teams still had key pieces, (David Lee, Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, David West, Kevon Looney, etc.) that were forces in the inside, not just due to their hustle, but size. Come playoff time, this small-ball lineup will come back to haunt Houston if the Rockets don’t start preparing bigs for clutch moments in the playoffs.

Is James Harden Back? Too small of a sample size to exclaim that. But it’s certainly a good sign that the Beard is swooning back in the direction of efficiency. However, his last two games have been against the Pelicans, and the Luka-less Mavs. Not exactly towering, menacing opposition. Harden will get another “practice session” on Tuesday as the Hornets come to Houston. Charlotte is one the NBA’s worst teams, and played on Monday night. There’s no reason for the Rockets not to win by 30, and for Harden to regain his confidence and stroke he displayed earlier this season. It’s time for the Houston to gain momentum as we near the All-Star break. The Rockets got a solid win over Zion, the future face of the NBA, and the Pelicans. Now they’ll prepare to battle the team owned by the past face of the NBA, Michael Jordan, as his Charlotte Hornets come to town on Tuesday night.