Rockets Host Cavaliers to Close Home-Stand
Part 2. Missing Ingredients. Back to Basics.
The Rockets close out their three-game home-stand with a matchup against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. This is Part 2 of Houston’s only home back-to-back of the season (teams rarely play two days in a row at home during the regular season). The squad’s coming off a tough loss at the hands of the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Houston was in complete control in the first half, holding a lead of 19 points at one point. However, the second half featured another Rockets collapse, as Kyle Kuzma scored 20 fourth quarter points to rally the Wizards past Houston. The Rockets need to forget about last night, and move forward.
Tonight’s matchup will be more difficult than Wednesday’s. Cleveland currently holds the fifth spot in the East, with a record of 29-20. They are led by the four-headed monster that is Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. Mitchell’s already scored 70 points in a game this season, and all four are potential or former All-Stars. Houston’s defense will be focused primarily on these four players. Mitchell and Garland parade the perimeter, while Allen and Mobley man the paint for the Cavs. Cleveland is coming off a tough two-point loss to the Knicks on Tuesday night. They’ll be hungry, and rested, to try and pounce on these young Rockets tonight. Houston’s in for a tough battle on Thursday night, but they’re capable of finishing the job, something they failed to do last night.
Houston will be missing some key ingredients in tonight’s matchup. Jae’Sean Tate and Eric Gordon are both out for injury management. Expect to see more minutes from Tari Eason, Garrison Mathews, and KJ Martin, who’s been playing spectacular ball lately. Martin’s coming off a solid 16-point, 13-rebound double-double last night. The Rockets will need his high flying dunks to revitalize the Toyota Center crowd, and return some momentum to Houston that the squad felt after Monday’s win. If the squad can focus on refining the basics of the game, they have a chance against a Cavs team that might come in overlooking the Rockets becuase of their record. It won’t be easy in Houston tonight, expect another close game down the stretch… hopefully the Rockets can finish the deal, and return to the winning track.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Cleveland Cavaliers (29-20): White
Houston Rockets (11-37): “City Edition” Blue
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass