Undermanned Rockets Stung by Hornets, 123-99, Lose 4th Straight
Extra Short-Handed. Rearing the Ugly Head. Big Showing Next.
Houston didn’t put forth their best showing, getting crushed in Charlotte by the Hornets, 123-99, on Monday night. However, shortly before the game, more news broke about Rocket players in the health-and-safety protocols. These additions included Jae’Sean Tate most importantly, who missed his first game of the season after being the only Houston player to start every game this season. The Rockets were never really in this contest after the first quarter. “Scary” Terry Rozier proved to be too horrifying for Houston, leading the Hornets with 27 points. Charlotte also 5 other players score in double-figures. Trevelin Queen, who was recently call-up from the G-League, had a solid performance in only his third career-game. Queen came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points for the Rockets. Christian Wood and Eric Gordon had 16 points apiece, but this was a learning game for Houston. Many different lineup combinations were used due to the squad being short-handed.
Just as COVID has reared it’s ugly head toward the Rockets, the squad is now playing like a team that could lose their way back into lottery contention. Since their seven-game winning streak, which was predominantly against inferior opponents, Houston is a disastrous 2-8 in their last 10 games. Sure the schedule’s been tough. But it’s the NBA, every night presents a challenge. Speaking of challenges, the Rockets have a tough one coming up in their next game on Tuesday night.
LeBron James and the Lakers come to town on Tuesday for the second-half of a back-to-back for Houston. The good news: the Rockets are returning home, and will see the return of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. The bad news: the Lakers have lost five straight games, their longest losing streak of the season. Anthony Davis and some other players are out for L.A., but the only key ingredient remains, and that’s all that matters: LeBron James. Houston will have a chance, but the most dangerous thing in the NBA, even at his age, is a motivated LeBron James. The Rockets will need their best showing on Tuesday night if they want to take down the King.