Rockets vs. Heat Pre-Game 12/15/22

Rockets Seek Sixth Straight Home Win, Welcome Heat to Town

Heating Up.    Extra Day.    Maintain Momentum.

For the first time all season, the Rockets are coming off their first wire-to-wire victory, downing the Suns on Tuesday night. On Thursday, they host the Miami Heat, as the Rockets seek to win three straight games for the first time all season. They’ve won two in a row twice but have yet to string three straight wins together this season. Tonight could be their chance. The Heat played a close game on the road last night, beating the Thunder in OKC. Houston is really heating up. Winners of five straight home games, the Rockets are now 6-4 in their last ten games after starting the season with a 3-14 record. Tonight is Jabari Smith Jr.’s first career “Bobblehead Night”, so hopefully the rookie continues his run of strong that’s been on display recently.

Houston has the rest advantage tonight, and they’re the healthier squad. The Heat have been playing without their best player, Jimmy Butler, for a while now. The owner of “Big Face Coffee” has been out for an extended period with an injury. Miami still has plenty of players who can deal damage. They’ve got an arsenal of lethal shooters on the perimeter (Duncan Robinson, Victor Oladipo, and Tyler Herro, who’s coming off a 35-point explosion last night). Bam Adebayo remains one of the toughest, underrated big men in the NBA, as Houston’s rebounding prowess will be put to the ultimate test tonight.

This game has the feelings of the squad’s first game in San Antonio, and the last time they lost. The Heat come in hampered and on the second day of a back-to-back. The Rockets are less experienced, but have the talent and energy to outplay this Miami team. For the first time this year, the Rockets will be sporting their throwback “city edition” blue uniforms that pay homage to the 2000’s. Hopefully the new look doesn’t change the Hosuton’s steady play on the court. Houston’s maturity as a group will be pushed to the limit on Thursday night.. as the Rockets try and win three in a row for the first time all season.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Miami Heat (14-15):  White

Houston Rockets (9-18):  “City Edition” Blue

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass