Rockets Seek Payback, Visit Charlotte to Face Hornets
Part Two. Opening Revenge. Stay Ready Too.
It’s payback time. The Rockets visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, as they seek revenge for a disappointing Opening Night loss courtesy of these Bees. Houston is coming off a victory in Toronto last night, that kicked off a three-game holiday road trip. Tonight’s contest is the second leg of this holiday journey, and the Rockets’ final game before Christmas. Houston will have two days off after this game, with their next matchup coming in New Orleans against the Pelicans on Boxing Day.
The Hornets have lost four straight games and are heading in the wrong direction. Overall, Charlotte has dropped 12 of their last 13 matches. And tonight, they’ll be without budding second-year forward Brandon Miller, who is out with an injury, along with All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, who lit up the Rockets in these teams’ first matchup back in Houston. At the moment, the Hornets sit only a half game above the Raptors for the second-to-last spot in the Eastern Conference.
Unlike Houston teams of the past, this Rockets squad believes in payback. Ime Udoka should have the troops fired up and motivated to avoid a sweep at the hands of a bad Hornets team. Charlotte will have the major rest advantage, as they’ve had two days off, and Houston is playing for the second night in a row. Regardless, the Rockets and their “Stay Ready Crew” should be able to take care of business tonight in the Queen City. Cam Whitmore and Jae’Sean Tate are both coming off their best games of the season in the win over the Raptors on Monday night. Expect both players to be factors tonight if some guys have tired legs and can’t meet Udoka’s energy requirement.
Given Charlotte’s injuries, Houston should be able to win this matchup tonight, despite this game being part two of a back-to-back. Tari Eason has been out for the last few games for the Rockets with lower leg injury management. If he’s still out Houston may need a repeat from the Stay Ready Crew tonight in Charlotte. It’s the second leg of the Rockets holiday road trip, and their final game before Christmas. Hopefully, Houston can gift their fans a present in the form of some Holiday Revenge on Monday night.
Spectrum Center: Charlotte, North Carolina
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (19-9): White
Charlotte Hornets (7-21): Blue
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass