Rockets vs. Jazz Pre-Game 1/5/23

Rockets in Desperation Mode, Host Jazz, as Jae’Sean Tate Returns

New Song.    Right on Time.    Light the Swerve.

Houston returns home after their most embarrassing defeat of the season, a 119-108 beatdown at the hands of the Pelicans in the Big Easy. Tonight, the Rockets host the Utah Jazz. It’s Houston’s third game in four nights, so expect to see a tired squad out on the Toyota Center court. The Jazz have slipped in the standings after getting off to a hot-start. Houston has another opportunity to grab a victory tonight, in the bigger picture of what’s become a sluggish season. The Rockets are now 36-136 over their last 172 games. That’s over two years of playing at a 17-win pace. Houston needs to play a new song. And the right man is stepping back into the lineup at the perfect time.

After missing 35 games, Jae’Sean Tate returns to the lineup tonight. Tate may not be the flashiest player, but he was the most consistent Rockets player for the entirety of last season. Tate was Houston’s energizer bunny, and the true MVP of the squad last year. His return will likely make Stephen Silas’ job even more difficult, as it will be interesting to see how the minutes are dispersed with Tate back in the lineup. Nonetheless, Jae’Sean Tate is returning at a time when the Rockets need someone to play with some fire. And Tate brings that fire, he’s also a little older than his younger teammates. Hopefully they respect their elder and follow the leader. Expect Tate to swerve right back into his role as the guy who does the dirty work for Houston.

Can Houston finally snap out of their funk? They’ve lost five straight games, although it seems like fifteen consecutive contests. The Jazz have been mediocre since their above-average start to the season. The Rockets won the first matchup between these teams, 114-108, but lost part two, 109-101. Part Three takes place tonight at Toyota Center. When these two foes last met in Houston, the Rockets soared to their first victory of the season. They’ll try and silence the Jazz once again… and garner a rare win in the process.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (19-21):  White

Houston Rockets (10-28):  “City Edition” Blue

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass