Rockets Aim to Abolish Kings from Playoff Contention
Elimination Night. Beware the Underdog. Final Four.
It’s Elimination Night in Orlando on Sunday, as the Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings, trying to burst their bubble of hope. Houston can end the Kings’ playoff hopes with a win, or… pretty much put an end to their own hopes of catching Denver for the three seed. The Rockets will still be without Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon, but Houston has enough firepower to beat the worst West team in the bubble. Sacramento is young, and has a bright future, but their time isn’t now. And that could pose a problem for Houston if the Rockets continue to play down to bad teams.
Despite being the underdog, the Kings beat the Rockets earlier this season on a Bojan Bogdanovic buzzer-beater from three. Houston will be looking for revenge as they try and seal the coffin on Sac-Town’s season tonight. It won’t be easy. The Kings still have one of the best young point guards in the NBA, and arguably the league’s fastest player, in De’Aaron Fox. If the Rockets’ energy level is lacking, they could be in for a disappointment tonight. No energizer bunny in Brodie, Houston will have to find motivation elsewhere if they fall behind early, which has happened in every bubble game except versus L.A.
Sunday night marks the first of the final four games for the Rockets as we wind down towards the playoffs. After tonight, Houston still has to play the Spurs, Pacers, and Sixers, all teams still fighting with something to play for. Despite missing Russ, this is the Rockets’ easiest game left on the schedule. The three after tonight pose much bigger challenges, and in the playoffs… nothing’s easy. Hopefully Houston is blazing from the gate, a la Benny Mac, who’s been absolutely on fire and the best three-point shooter in the bubble. The Rockets need this game as the final three contests this regular season will be tough, scrappy battles. With Sacramento’s season on the line, and Houston trying to position themselves in the best playoff spot, tonight should be a lot of fun in Orlando. Strap in… it’s Elimination Night in the NBA Bubble.
ESPN World Wide Sports Complex: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (43-25): “Space City” White
Sacramento Kings (29-40): Black
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW