Rockets Set for Rematch with Lakers in Hollywood
Round 2. Turn Over a New Leaf. Great Expectations.
After their sloppiest game of the season, the Rockets will try and play a cleaner game as they face the Lakers once again in Hollywood. It’s a rematch from Sunday’s ugly game that featured both squads playing sub-par ball. Especially Houston, who committed a torrid 25 turnovers, and missed 14 free throws. People want to say the bright lights and glamour of Hollywood got to the Rockets’ young players on Sunday night. Regardless, with a game at Staples under their belt, Houston should fare better in the rematch tonight.
The problem is, the Lakers will be better as well. L.A. didn’t shoot well on Sunday, and failed to score at least 105 points for the first time all season. Expect both teams to be sharper on Tuesday night. The Rockets and Lakers are still working on chemistry issues with their respective groups. Houston has a decent chance to steal Tuesday night’s affair, if they clean up their turnovers and focus more at the foul line. Otherwise, the Lakers will sweep this short two-game set with no problem.
As long as the Rockets can stay within reaching distance, Houston has a chance to pull off the upset. Houston can’t be much worse than the season-low 85 points their offense displayed on Sunday. It’s an odd two-game stretch for both squads. Rarely does a team host an opponent in consecutive games. If anything was evident from Halloween, the Lakers are still far away from being the scary title threat which many people predicted. The Rockets can sway predictions by stealing a game if they control the ball, and knock down some shots. Or maybe take some inspiration from the Astros. Meanwhile, back home in Houston, their baseball counterparts fight to keep a historic dynasty living on for one more day… now that’s Hollywood.
Staples Center: Los Angeles, California
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (1-5): White
Los Angeles Lakers (4-3): Yellow
TV: 9:30 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW