Rockets Return Home to Face Orlando, Seek to Reclaim Their Own Magic
Lucky Break. Knocking on Wood. 3-6 or 4-5.
Houston returns home after a short one-game road trip to face the Orlando Magic. Orlando is off to one of the best starts in the league this season, boasting a 6-2 record, good for second-best in the entire NBA. No one expects the Magic to make playoff noise, they’re simply a young team off to an unexpectedly good start. However, Houston happens to be entering the Magic’s hemisphere during a distraught time for the franchise. Unfortunately for Orlando, bad news came during their last game. Their starting point guard, and former number one overall pick in the NBA Draft, Markell Fultz, suffered a torn ACL, and will miss the remainder of the season. Fultz, after years of progressing and attempting to reach his potential, was off to the best start of his young career, with career highs in points and assists, the former top pick could’ve been on his way to an All Star nod. But, as the Rockets know too well, injuries are a part of the game. Hopefully Fultz’s rehab goes well, and he can make a comeback to being an efficient NBA player.
Luckily for Houston, considering Christian Wood is a game-time decision just like last game, the Magic will be without one of the best front players in Aaron Gordon. Gordon is off to a solid start to the season, and his absence gives the Rockets one less big body to focus on. However, Orlando still boasts one of the best big men in all of basketball, Nikola Vucevic. “Vooch” will be a handful for Wood (if he plays), P.J. Tucker, Demarcus Cousins, or whosever guarding him on the Rockets. They’ll need to help and communicate effectively on defense. Vucevic is a legitimate All-Star in this league, with Superstar skills on some nights. Houston can’t afford to let Vooch beat them.
This game’s hugely important for several reasons. First of all, the Rockets are trying to snap a two-game skid. A win or a loss tonight marks the difference between being 3-4 or 2-5 after the game is over. And Houston’s next two games are against the defending champs, the Lakers. Friday night’s jostle with the Magic is a must-win for the Rockets. Considering it’s highly unlikely they’ll beat the Lakers in back-to-back games, Houston needs to enter its series with L.A. with a 3-4 record, as opposed to a 2-5 mark. The Rockets are slowly trying to get back to the .500 mark, and climb the standings out West. Games like Friday against the Magic are ones Houston needs to put away early, to ensure they’re ready to face the Lakers fresh off a win. Even if it’s just a short winning streak, the Rockets need confidence heading into their upcoming battles agents the Champions. A short, easy victory over an inferior Orlando team is just what Houston needsas they begin to right the ship.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Orlando Magic (6-2): Black
Houston Rockets (2-4): White
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW