Rockets Hit the Road, Seeking to Sweep Magic in Orlando
Florida Trip. Road Duet. Aiming for Eight.
Fresh off a perfect six-game homestand, the Rockets hit the road for a quick two trip stop in Florida. First up on the slate, the Orlando Magic await, as Houston visits DisneyWorld for the first time since their first road game of last season. The Rockets will cap off this two-game Florida trip with a meeting with the Miami Heat in South Beach on Friday night. Entering tonight’s matchup with Orlando, Houston is riding a season-high seven game winning streak, and the longest current streak in the league. Meanwhile, in their last game, Orlando is coming off an impressive road win in Cleveland that snapped the Cavaliers 16-game winning streak.
Less than ten days ago, the Rockets won the first matchup between these squads, as they bested the Magic, 97-84, back in Houston on March 10th. Orlando is the worst offensive team in the entire NBA, although they’re one of the better defensive squads. The Rockets are aiming for their eighth straight victory tonight, as they hit the road for the first time since they beat the Pelicans in New Orleans on March 8th. Despite winning their last road game, Houston has a much better home record, at 26-10, compared to their 18-15 record away from Toyota Center this season. In their last road game, the Rockets did snap a gnarly eight game losing streak on the road. Hopefully, against two sub-par Floridian teams, Houston can resume their winning ways on the road.
Amen Thompson will remain out for tonight’s matchup in Orlando, but there’s a chance he could return on Friday against the Miami Heat. For now, the Rockets need to continue to thrive without their versatile Swiss army knife. Coming off an emotionally thrilling comeback victory to close their homestand, Houston will be aiming to carry this recent momentum on the road, as the squad is seeking their eighth straight win tonight. The Rockets are currently in the second seed in the Western Conference, with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers breathing down their neck right, not far behind. If Houston wants to win the war for the West’s second seed, they’ll need to win games like tonight against the Orlando Magic. Don’t be surprised if Houston finds themselves in another close crunch time battle, but this squad should have enough sweep Orlando. After beating the Magic earlier this month, expect the Rockets to do the same on Friday night as Houston begins their mini Florida road trip.
Kia Center: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (44-25): White
Orlando Magic (32-37): Black
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass