Rockets Host Celtics to Start Homestand, Hope to Steal Some Irish Luck
Home, Sweet, Home. Earn it Black. Controlling the Jays.
Houston returns home to host the Celtics as the Rockets try to earn their first victory in their last 16 tries on Sunday night. Tonight’s matchup begins a seven-game homestand for the Rockets, their longest of the season. Sliding on the NBA’s longest losing streak, Houston hopes a return to their homes and the comfort of Toyota Center will bring an end to the skid. The Celtics are the Rockets first test. Boston has underperformed this season in the eyes of most basketball analysts. Regardless, the Celtics are loaded with versatile talent on the perimeter, notably on both ends of the floor. Houston has to hope Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker have off-nights, or the losing streak may continue.
The squad will debut their brand-new black “earned” jerseys on Sunday night as they host Boston. The 16 playoff teams from the previous season all receive special edition “earned” jerseys, as they’re called, the following season. The Rockets have earned this edition of the uniform the past few years, and hopefully a change of apparel will get the squad back on the winning track. Personally, I love the appearance of these new jerseys, and hope Houston keeps them around longer than expected.
If the Rockets want to stop the misery, and end the longest losing streak in the franchise has season in 20 years, they’ll have to contain the “Jays”: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston’s top two players. Tatum is slightly more skilled offensively, and Brown has an edge on the defensive end, but both are versatile All-Stars who can each explode for 30 points on any given night. Hopefully, Kevin Porter Jr. continues his stellar play in his third game as a Rocket. Right now he’s one the few bright spots Houston can enjoy watching on this roster. And if the Rockets want to earn a win tonight, and some respect back in the league, they’ll have to upset a solid Celtics team at home. It’s not impossible, as Boston’s been prone to play down to their competition this year. If the Rockets can come out with fire and intensity on both ends of the floor… Houston can start the path to earning some respect back in this league.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Boston Celtics (19-18): Green
Houston Rockets (11-25): “Earned” Black
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass