Rockets Host Jazz in Second Game of Back-to-Back
Scooting Towards a Return. Diminished Rivalry. Fighting Fatigue.
After dropping two straight games to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Rockets host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Houston is playing its third game in four days, this being the second of a back-to-back. Kevin Porter Jr. is listed as probable to make his return form an injury, ironically on his first-ever bobblehead night. Hopefully Scoot’s return can give a Rocket team that’s looking to snap a ten-game skid a much-needed boost.
Utah always been one of Houston’s biggest rivals, dating back to the days of Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stockton and Karl Malone. This season sees the rivalry more diminished than perhaps ever before, as the Rockets sit as the bottom of the Conference. Meanwhile, the Jazz sit in third place in the West, and have won eight of their past nine games. Utah’s deadly All-Star duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert will be in line to make the most noise for the Jazz tonight.
This matchup will be tougher than the last couple, as the Jazz are a step up in competition from the Clippers. Utah is a legitimate title contender when healthy, and are playing some of their best basketball of the season at the moment. The Rockets sure have their work cut out for them tonight. Maybe KPJ’s return will scoot Houston towards finally breaking their losing streak. After all, this season, the Rockets seem to win when we least expect a victory. It’ll be tough over this veteran, disciplined, and more talented Jazz squad, but anything’s possible in an NBA regular season game.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Utah Jazz (38-22): Yellow
Houston Rockets (15-46): White
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass