Rockets vs. Jazz Pre-Game 3/12/21

Severely Short-Handed Rockets Face Toughest Test of Season, Battle the Jazz in Utah

The Ultimate Shorthand. Belly of the Beast. Tuning Up.

With the losing streak still not at an end, now at 14 games, the Rockets enter the second night of back-to-back about as short-handed as they’ve been all year. Besides Tucker’s departure from the team, Christian Wood, Victor Oladipo, John Wall, Eric Gordon, and Danuel House Jr. will be out tonight. And Houston’s reward: the team with the NBA’;s bets record, the Utah Jazz. With a record of 27-9, Utah has been rolling this season, and looks like a potential threat out West to make a deep playoff run. During the Harden era, the Rockets had Utah’s number, but the tides might be turning tonight.

Houston enters tonight’s contest after playing the night before. Meanwhile, Utah hasn’t played since before the All-Star break, and they’re at home, where despite no fans, the Jazz are tough to beat, especially considering the altitude. The Rockets have a mountain to climb if they want to pull off arguably the biggest upset of this NBA season. But, they’re going to need a lot of luck, and pray that Kevin Porter Jr. and K.J. Martin continue their trend of solid play from last night.

Utah will be revved up, ready to start the second half of the season with the NBA’s best record. The Rockets are shooting right into the belly of the beast. This game’s not impossible to win, but the odds are stacked highly against the Rockets. And if you think the losing streak’s going to end in Utah, think again. Tonight… Houston, we have a problem.

Vivint Arena: Salt Lake City, Utah

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-24): White

Utah Jazz (27-9): Green

TV: 9 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW