Rockets Return Home, Host Upstart Bulls
Surprise Teams? Back on Their Bull-Vic. Big Trouble.
The Rockets return to Toyota Center on Wednesday night for a matchup of surprise teams in the NBA. Everyone knew these new-look Rockets would be a rebuilding process, but no one knew it would look this bad. It’s gotten so dire, Coach Stephen Silas, in only his second season, is reportedly on the “hot seat.” If he wasn’t before, with many questioning his in-game decision making, he’s officially warming his rear end with each passing game as the season moves forward. Houston hosts the Chicago Bulls, arguably the biggest surprise so far this season. The Bulls are tied for the second seed in the East, only a game out of the top spot. They have revitalized group of players. Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, former Lakers, are shining in their roles in Chicago. And the newest Bull, DeMar DeRozan, is flourishing alongside fellow All-Star Zach LaVine, a pair many “experts” expected to struggle playing together. Well, that hasn’t been the case. Both LaVine and DeRozan are having career years, and both will almost certainly be named All-Stars. What does that mean for the Rockets? Well they’re in trouble, but the trouble’s bigger than usual this time.
The Bulls are coming off their most disappointing loss of the season, a 32-point thrashing at the hands of the Pacers in Chicago. It was an uncharacteristic loss for this Bulls team who’s been very disciplined all season. Chicago has beaten the teams they’re supposed to, other than their previous game. So the Bulls will be coming into Houston hungrier than usual, eagerly wanting to erase the memory of the Indiana beatdown out of their psyches. And they’re also coming into H-Town bigger than usual.
Nikola Vucevic, one of the most underrated big-men in the NBA for years now, and another reason the Bulls are off to a fantastic start, returns from injury tonight. Christian Wood, Daniel Theis, and Alperen Sengun will have their hands full trying to contain Chicago’s often slept-on big man. It’s not the sort of homecoming the Rockets were looking for, but they’re back in Houston. Hopefully, they can put up somewhat of a fight, and run with the Bulls longer than anyone expects. Kevin Porter Jr. is making his return after missing the past three games. Maybe KPJ’s the spark this Rockets team needs to end the misery. A win tonight for Houston would be the surprise of the season. Which would be appropriate as it’s the holiday season, a time full of unexpected joys and surprises… just don’t expect one tonight.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Chicago Bulls (12-6): Red
Houston Rockets (1-16): Black
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass