Rockets Search for the Right Tune Against Jazz in Battle of Desperados
Houston really needs to warm up. And get hot. A streak is needed. Roster moves have been made. The Rockets finally signed Gary Clark to a 3-year deal worth $3.7 million. The squad waived impressive, gritty newcomer Danuel House, a surprise to many, considering House had been playing brilliantly as a glue guy for the Rockets, doing all the dirty work, and had come out of the blue basically to provide instant hustle, hard work, and hustle (he’s also a fellow Houstonian). However, the move was initiated in order to open up space for a roster spot via a trade in the coming days, according to reports. Seems like Daryl Morey, always on his toes, has a trick or two up his sleeve. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets travel to freezing Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz. Not the warmest place by any means, but a victory against a playoff-caliber squad in Utah on the road in front one of the NBA’s loudest crowds would be a nice kick-start victory that could send the Rockets on a much-needed winning streak. Despite their struggles and under-achievements this season a Western Conference that has never seen so many teams with playoff potential, the Jazz pounded the Rockets earlier this season in Houston in the first matchup between the two squads this season. Utah always has one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA year-in, year-out. Tonight, will be a tough challenge for the Rockets. If they want to prove their still a Championship-caliber team this is the sort of matchup that can turn into a statement game for Houston and their season. The Jazz’ young star Donovan Mitchell always seems to have his best games against Houston, and Ricky Rubio has been in a nice groove running the point, considering how injury plagued the Spaniard has been throughout his career. Houston will also need to keep their eye on sharpshooter Joe Ingles, who also seems to shine brightest he’s playing the Rockets. Clint Capela will have another tough battle down low tonight against the Stifle Tower aka Rudy Gobert, the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Another brilliant opportunity for Clint Capela to show why he deserves to be (and is rightfully so) an All-Star this season. The Rockets need to silence the crowd early, and come out with a vengeance as they were embarrassed by the Jazz earlier this season at Toyota Center, 100-89, on October 24th. Times have changed. The Rockets roller coaster season continues. The Jazz have had a similar season of ups and downs. Let’s hope they can find the all the right notes in Utah to start putting a winning season together. Houston, despite being in 13th in the jammed West standings, is only a game out of the 8th and final playoff spot. Each game is drastically more important as we get deeper into a season that looks like 14 teams will be playoff contenders in the harsh West. Tonight, the Rockets have a priceless opportunity to move one step closer to getting back in the playoff picture. Hopefully the Rockets have taken note.
Vivint Smart Home Arena – Salt Lake City, Utah
9:30 PM CT – TNT, ATT Sportsnet