Rockets Host Jazz in Crucial Conference Showdown
Different Tune. Reality Check. Upper Hand.
Tonight, the Rockets will get Russell Westbrook back as they’ll try and skip ahead of the Jazz in the standings with a win over their conference rival. This game sings a different tune from when the last time these squads faced off. Back in Utah, Houston was minus Harden and Westbrook, and the Jazz were the one’s rolling, with the Rockets looking for a boost. This time, it’s a different story. Utah escaped their last match over Portland courtesy of a terrible call late that basically cost the Blazers the game, and gave the Jazz a victory that broke their 5-game losing-streak. A slide that began with Houston’s victory in Salt Lake City last week. The embarassing loss in Phoenix broke a 4-game winning streak for the Rockets, who’ve been rolling with Westbrook on the court.
After an impressive win over the Lakers, followed by a disappointing loss in Phoenix without Russell Westbrook, tonight presents a reality check for the new-look mini-Rockets. They’re back at full strength, hosting a Western Conference playoff team. Sunday night’s game will test the power of Houston’s small-ball strategy. The Jazz have the best shot-blocker in basketball, Rudy Gobert, who will pose problems on the defensive end for Brodie and other Rockets who drive to the rim. Houston needs to knock down their shots tonight in order to secure the win. Look for Utah’s streaky shooter from Australia, Joe Ingles, to be the key to tonight’s match. When Ingles plays well against the Rockets, it usually means problems for Houston. But when the Aussie is kept in check, the Rockets usually handle the Jazz. Houston has to keep their eye on Ingles at all times, and can’t afford to leave him open. Mike Conley has slowly made a return to form over his last three games. Utah’s point guard could be in for a sneaky effective night if the Rockets are off their guard. And then, there’s of course Donovan MItchell. The first-time All-Star is one of the league’s best young scorers, and along with another new All-Star, Rudy Gobert, pose a dual inside-outside threat to Houston’s defense.
Whoever comes away with the victory in Sunday’s matchup gets the upper hand in the standings, at least for now. Utah (33-18) is currently a half-game up on the Rockets (33-19) in the standings. It’s a big game as Houston looks to close out their pre-All-Star break portion of the season with two big wins at home. After Sunday, the Celtics come to town for the final game before the break on Tuesday. Westbrook will be back for both games. Starting Sunday, hopefully the entire team returns to feeding off Brodie’s energy on the court.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Utah Jazz (33-18): Blue
Houston Rockets (33-19): Red
TV: 6 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW