Rockets Host Jazz, Renew Old Rivalry
Different Enemies. Mission Impossible? Tune Out the Pressure.
There was a time when these two squads were much more evenly matched. Even as early as two years ago, Houston was coming off knocking Utah out of the playoffs in consecutive years… but how times change. The Jazz, much better now than they were back then, are one of three remaining undefeated teams in the NBA (with Golden State and Chicago). Utah are most recently coming off a double-digit win over the Denevr Nuggets. They’ve also beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings. Not the stiffest of competition, but the Jazz’ toughness will be visible in Houston tonight. Utah consists of mainly a veteran group, whose core players (Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles) have been together longer than any current core in the league. What does that mean? The Jazz have what Houston will desperately working towards all season, and for a few more seasons to come: amazing chemistry. Utah doesn’t beat themselves. The Jazz rarely turn the ball over, and make opponents out-play them if their going to get the victory.
The Rockets are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, recently setting a record for playing four teenagers in the same NBA game. Houston will be playing about as tough as competition gets in the league tonight. Utah isn’t the most talented team. But they aren’t bogged down by chemistry or injury issues that have already arisen for the Nets and Lakers, the preseason favorites to win the championship. Utah’s best players are Donovan Mitchell, who will test Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green on the perimeter, and Rudy Gobert. The “Eiffel Tower” is one of the best big men in the league, and the best shot-blocker in basketball. Christian Wood will have his hands full tonight as he battles for position in the post with one of the NBA’s elite.
Houston are heavy underdogs heading into their final home game before a brutal five-game road trip. However, if the Rockets can tune out the pressure Utah’s veteran group will be exerting, and play harder, Houston has a chance to pull the early upset of the season. But, the keys to this game are controlling the ball, and getting as many transitional points as possible. If the Rockets turn the ball over against this smart Jazz team, Houston’s setting themselves up for a 30-point blowout. If the Rockets can keep their turnovers low, and score as many fast break points as possible, they have a chance. Utah is one of the toughest teams to score against in the half-court, making the transitional game more important than usual for Houston tonight. It’s not Mission Impossible. But it’s close. The Rockets will try to keep the game closer than expected, and if they can hang around long enough, anything can happen in a regular season game. Tonight will be Houston’s toughest test of the early season so far, and should whip them into the right gear before they head out on the road.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Utah Jazz (3-0): White
Houston Rockets (1-3): Red
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW