Rockets Desperate for a Home Victory, Duel with Cavaliers
Spoiling the Surprise. Blasting Out the Gate. One for the Road.
Kevin Porter Jr. faces off against his former team, as the Rockets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. It’s the final game of four in a row at home for Houston. They’ve lost all three games so far, and will look to end their four-game losing streak tonight. The Cavs are the surprise team of the NBA this season. Since LeBron James left the team a few years ago, Cleveland hasn’t been close to making the playoffs.
As we’ve witnessed in Houston, times, and eras, change. The Cavs currently sit in fourth place in the East, only a half game out of third. Even with their supposed best player Collin Sexton out for the season, why are the Cavs so much better this year? A few reasons. Darius Garland is having a breakout season, and looks like a legitimate All-Star in the making. And the guy selected right after Houston’s Jalen Green in the draft, Evan Mobley, the third pick, is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year this season. Mobley’s had instant impact and looks like a legitimate All-Star in the future. And Jarrett Allen has played like an All-Star big man in the post for the Cavs. Cleveland plays hard every night behind former Rocket-coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Like their coach, they play with a chip on their shoulder, and Houston could be in trouble if they’re not ready from the opening tip.
The Rockets’ biggest issue during their losing streak has been the squad’s failure to get off to hot starts. Houston has fallen behind by double digits before halftime in all the losses in their current skid. It’s hard to play fighting from behind all game. If the Rockets can blast out the gates tonight, they’ll have a chance against a very talented Cavs team.
After tonight’s contest, Houston heads out on the road for one game before returning back home. It would be nice to see the squad win at least one game during this home-stand. Especially after a successful road-trip which, at the time, seemed to give the Rockets momentum. They’ll try and get some of that momentum back and spoil the NBA’s surprise team with a big win tonight.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Cleveland Cavaliers (31-20): White
Houston Rockets (14-36): Red
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass