Rockets Desperate to End Skid, Hawks Swing into Town
Sneaking In. Decision Time. Opportunity Awaits.
The Atlanta Hawks come to town as the Rockets try and put an end to the worst losing streak the franchise has seen in decades. And usually, the Hawks flying in would be good sign. The last time Atlanta was actually competent, was way back when Houston last saw a skid this miserable. But this season, these birds are heating up. After firing their former coach, and bringing in savvy veteran Nate McMillan, the Hawks are 5-0, including wins over Miami and Toronto. Trae Young is one of the best young point guards in the league. A lethal threat from deep the Rockets defense has to focus on at all times.
Tonight’s the first of what seems like the third straight back-to-back for Houston, as the games keep coming after the All-Star break. The Rockets host the Warriors tomorrow night, a better squad than this Atlanta team. One has to be honest. The skid will end eventually. And it certainly would be nice to avoid that 20-spot on the franchise’s history of losing streaks. Hopefully, Kevin Porter Jr. has a bounce-back game from the field, and finds his rhythm to lead the Rockets to a victory. Otherwise, Houston will need a lot from Victor Oladipo and Kenyon Martin Jr. The two combined for 47 points in the Rockets last game. And among current healthy players on the squad, Martin is one of the squad’s best facilitators, despite his youth and need for growth.
Opportunity awaits tonight for a young Rockets team, as most of the older guys (Wall, Christian Wood, Eric Gordon) are out with injuries. Not to mention the absence of P.J. Tucker can’t help but be felt on the defensive end, and in the locker room. Winners of five straight, the Hawks aren’t world-beaters. Atlanta’s streak is bound to come to an end soon. Trae Young, former-Rocket Clint Capela, and the Hawks have snuck into the eighth seed out East. But Atlanta’s still a few years away from actually making any noise in the playoffs, if they even make it to the postseason. It’s time. For the Rockets to get back on track, and for the Hawks to get back and relax. The NBA world isn’t used to seeing big winning steaks out of Atlanta. The Rockets would love to put a little normalcy back into matters… and end the worst skid in Houston’s seen in some time.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Atlanta Hawks (19-20): White
Houston Rockets (11-26): Red
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW