Rockets Aim for 5th Straight Win, Return Home to Host Magic
Five-Win Battle. Second-Edition Surprises. Opportunity Knocks.
After winning their first road game in impressive comeback fashion, the Rockets return to Houston where opportunity knocks. Winners of four straight, the Rockets play their next four games at home, where the squad is 4-5, as opposed to a torrid 1-11 record away from Toyota Center. Houston hosts the Orlando Magic on Friday night, in a battle of five-win teams, and an opportunity for the Rockets to win their fifth straight contest. Both of these squads ended miserable droughts in their previous games. After starting 0-11 away from Toyota Center, the Rockets finally got their first road win in OKC. And Orlando snapped a seven-game losing streak with a fashionable come-from-behind victory of their own, besting the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Both teams are shorthanded tonight, as the Magic will be without Jalen Suggs, the fifth overall pick in the draft. The Rockets are still without Jalen Green, the second player selected amongst rookies. And Houston could possibly be without Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood as well. KPJ re-aggravated his left thigh, and will likely be out with a thigh contusion. Wood rolled his ankle in the previous game, but the Rockets are listing him as probable for Friday night’s matchup.
When the schedule was released, this game featured two of the top five rookies, in terms of draft order. However both Jalens, Green and Suggs, won’t play tonight. Instead, viewers will get a look at two rookies who are making an impact sooner than expected. Houston’s Alperen Sengun has thrived in nearly every minute of action. Once he gets more playing time, Sengun has the potential to be the best player in the entire draft class. Yes… he’s that special. Orlando’s Franz Wagner has been arguably the best rookie for the Magic so far this season. Wagner’s been more consistent than Suggs, showing a knack to fill up the stat sheet in many areas.
Orlando’s most dangerous player is guard Cole Anthony. The Rockets will try to contain him on the perimeter with the defense of Jae’Sean Tate, Garrison Matthews and others. Center Mo Bamba is having a breakout season for the Magic. Wood (if able to play), Sengun, and possibly Daniel Theis will be called on to keep Orlando’s big man off the glass. And Wendell Carter Jr. is quietly playing well over his past few games. Don’t be surprised if he has a big game tonight.
Ignore the records, this game won’t be as easy as it looks. After their most seemingly exhaustive game of the season, it’ll be interesting to see how the Rockets approach this contest. It’s another rare matchup where Houston is actually the favorite. But if they resort to bad habits like turnovers, they could be in trouble against the Magic. Both teams are coming off impressive wins. The Rockets have seemed to turn a page since the win streak started. Another winnable game is on the horizon tonight. A win pushes the streak to five games for Houston… the Rockets have to take advantage of this magical opportunity.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Orlando Magic (5-18): White
Houston Rockets (5-16): Navy “City Edition”
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass