Rockets vs. Hornets Pre-Game 1/18/23

Rockets Host Hornets in Matchup of NBA’s Worst Records

Buzzkill.    Bottom Feeder Battle.    Turn the Lights On.

The Rockets return home on the heels of an 11-game losing streak, losers of 16 of their last 17 games overall, firmly pitting them in last place in the Western Conference. Houston hosts the team with the worst record in the East on Wednesday night, as the Charlotte Hornets come to town. The Rockets are 10-34 on the season, while the Hornets are 11-34 so far this year. This winner of tonight’s matchup will have the better record, pitting the loser firmly in hold of the NBA’s worst record. Charlotte’s main threat is their backcourt, which consists of LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier. Both players are capable of scoring 30 or more points on any given night. Houston will need to play better defense than they displayed on their recent road trip if they want to stop the Hornets’ backcourt from torching the Rockets tonight. 

This is by far the Rockets best chance to break their skid for a while. The Hornets are clearly one of the worst teams in the NBA, and Houston needs to take advantage of playing a fellow Bottom Feeder. Hopefully, the team displays the kind of effort they showed in the second half in Los Angeles, but for a full four quarters for once. The Rockets have struggled mightily to put four consistent quarters of efficient basketball together.

After tonight, Houston hits the road for matchup with the Wolves in Minnesota on Friday. It’s a brief stop back home for the Rockets tonight. Fans have to hope playing in the bright lights of the dimmed Lakers’ court and LeBron James inspired these young Rockets to play better basketball. Houston has the talent to beat this Charlotte team. Alperen Sengun is coming off the best game of his life. He’ll look to put Miles Plumlee, P.J. Washington, and other Hornets tonight in the mixer. Stephen Silas should give Sengun more playing time from now on. Unless the big man’s in foul trouble, he needs to be on the court as much as possible. The Rockets offense is clearly a different beast with Sengun on the court… imagine the buzz it would garner if Sengun was utilized efficiently? Expect more Showtime-like action from Sengun tonight as Houston tries to kill their buzzing losing streak.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Charlotte Hornets (11-34):  White

Houston Rockets (10-34):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass