Rockets Tip-Off Season, Host Hornets on Opening Night
Buzzing Opportunity. Triple Threat. Liftoff.
The Houston Rockets begin their 58th season in the franchise’s history on Wednesday night, as they host the non buzz-worthy Charlotte Hornets. Houston won both games against Charlotte last season, and the Rockets have a great chance to begin this campaign with a win. The Hornets likely will once again be near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte has a new Head Coach in Charles Lee, who was an assistant on the Boston Celtics’ championship team last season. At 39, Lee is one of the youngest head coaches in the NBA, and could invigorate some newfound passion into a Hornets team has several talented players. Regardless, a loss tonight for Houston would be disappointing, especially at home on Opening Night.
After finishing 3-1 in pre-season action, the Rockets seem poised to improve on their record of 41-41 last year. Expect Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun to make big leaps this season, and jump into the All-Star conversation. The addition of Steven Adams in the offseason could prove to be one of the biggest factors in Houston’s improvement this season. Adams will back-up Sengun, and filling a much needed void in the back-up center department for the team. Houston’s starting lineup remains the same as last season, consisting of Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun, in what should be a lethal unit on the floor this year.
Entering tonight’s game, the Rockets need to focus on Charlotte’s triple-threat. Point guard LaMelo Ball is their best player, and when healthy, he’s one of the most lethal offensive threats in the game. Ball is coming off an injury that caused him to miss more than half of last season. Other players Houston’s defense need to zone in on are shooting guard Brandon Miller and the swingman Miles Bridges. Any of those three guys could score 30 points on any given night. If the Rockets can prevent this triple threat from having an explosive night, Houston should start the season with a victory.
The squad’s motto for this season is “Liftoff”, and fans should expect an improvement over last years team. The Rockets finished last season hot, and suffered some crucial extended injuries (Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason). If Houston’s key players in the rotation stay healthy, this team is ready to sneak into the playoffs this season. Expect the second term of the Ime Udoka era to feature more wins, drama and edge-of-your-seat action… as this Rockets team has the potential to create some serious buzz around the league, starting tonight at Toyota Center, with another exciting NBA season under way.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Charlotte Hornets (0-0): White
Houston Rockets (0-0): Red
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass