Rockets Aim to Bounce Back, Welcome Knicks to Town
New-Look Knicks. Ready Steady. Physical Uptick.
Jalen Green and the Rockets look to bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Warriors in their previous outing, as they host the New York Knicks. Houston erased a 31-point deficit to force overtime, but ultimately came up short. Green had his worst performance of the season, scoring only 7 points. Look for the guard to bounce back tonight against a new-look New York Knicks squad.
New York made big waves in the offseason, trading Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns. Both players are former All-Stars, and time will tell who won the deal. KAT is one of the best shooting big men in the league, and poses a huge perimeter threat. The Knicks also acquired Mikal Bridges, adding another former Villanova player to their ‘Nova Knicks team. Jalen Brunson remains one of the best guards in the game, and O.G. Anunoby and Josh Hart are two of the best hustle players in the league.
This is the second toughest team (behind Dallas) the Rockets have faced so far into this young season. Houston needs to put four solid quarters of basketball together if they want a chance to beat this tough New York squad. The Knicks boast a 3-2 record, with their lone losses coming to the defending champion Boston Celtics, and the still-undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. Expect New York to give Houston a tough challenge on Monday night at Toyota Center. If the Rockets can’t remain steady they’re in for a world of hurt tonight.
One player to keep an eye on in tonight’s contest is Alperen Sengun. Al-P’s been benched in the fourth quarter in several games, and he may be the key to a victory over the Knicks on Monday night. Sengun needs to up his physicality in this matchup. Considering Towns is a perimeter-oriented center, Sengun needs to attack Towns in the paint. KAT isn’t necessarily one of the toughest players in the NBA. This is Sengun’s chance to have a much-needed bounce-back performance for the Rockets. Will the Jekyll and Hyde Rockets show up again tonight? It’s been the case in every game so far this season. Led by the stern Tom Thibodeau at coach, the Knicks are a difficult team to mount a rally against. If Houston digs themselves another early hole they could be in trouble. But if the Rockets can stay within fighting distance into the fourth quarter, they should be able to get back on track in game two of this home-stand.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
New York Knicks (3-2): Blue
Houston Rockets (3-3): Red
Tip-Off: 7:45 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass