Rockets Square-Off Against 76ers to Close Home-Stand
Starting the Second. More Trouble. Avoiding a Repeat.
The Rockets begin the second half of their season on Monday night, as they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. And hopefully avoid a repeat of what occurred a week ago in these squads’ first battle. Last Monday in Philly, the Sixers pounded Houston for a 133-113 victory. If the Rockets want to make tonight’s contest more completive, they need to exert more energy defensively. It’s easier said than done, but it comes down to effort for these Rockets. And as they commence the second part of this journey, Houston could be in for more trouble tonight. Monday marks the final night of what’s been an ugly thee-game home-stand so far for the Rockets.
After losing their last two games by a combined 42 points, Houston hosts a far tougher opponent in Philly on Monday night. Joel Embiid torched the Rockets only a week ago with a monstrous triple-double, registering 31 points, 15 boards, and 10 assists. The good news for Houston is they didn’t have Christian Wood in that game. Wood will be playing tonight, but will he make enough of a difference?
Tonight’s game is the second half of a back-to-back for the Rockets, who haven’t won the latter of these contests all season. Houston hopes the second half of the season brings better fortune than the first, and they avoid repeating blowouts, and poor starts. Whether it be getting out of the gate, or coming out of the break, the Rockets have struggled revving up all year. That will have to change tonight if the Houston wants any chance of pulling off the upset against the Sixers. Philly’s won six straight games, and are playing their best basketball of the year after sitting in Average Lane for the first quarter of the season. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. struggled in the Rockets’ previous two blowout losses. Especially KPJ, who other than his game-winner, has performed below-expectations since returning from injury. The backcourt needs to have a strong performance if Houston wants to turn their chance of victory into a realistic one tonight. Otherwise, the Rockets could be in for a repetitive, ugly start to the second half of this season.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Philadelphia 76ers (22-16): Navy “City Edition”
Houston Rockets (11-30): Red
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass