Rockets vs. Nets Pre-Game 1/16/19

Rockets Host Nets, Look to Give Harden Help

EG Returns?   House Moves.   Welcome to Houston, James.

          The Rockets host the Nets tonight at Toyota Center in Houston, in what should be another matchup which requires the Beard to do some heavy lifting.  Houston won the previous meeting between the teams back in early November, but times were different then.  Brooklyn is a much better team and in playoff contention in the East.  Eric Gordon is questionable to return tonight, and his presence will give Harden and the Rockets a huge boost if he’s able to go.

Someone I didn’t want to see go, Danuel House Jr., was sent back to the G-League, after the two-sides couldn’t come to terms on a contract agreement.  Hosue has been instrumental is carrying the hustle and dirty-work portion of the action for Houston, along with P.J. Tucker.  House will be sorely missed.  A move I simply cannot understand.  If the Rockets wanted to win they would have paid the man.  He more than earned a roster spot.  Others feel differently, and it’s time to move on.  The Rockets welcome James Nunnally to Houston, on a 10-day contract, to fill up House’s void (or, at least try to).  Nunnally last played for the Wolves in Minnesota, hopefully he will be the perfect fit, a la Danuel House.  The Rockets are going to feel his absence on the court, starting tonight.  Don’t be surprised if the squad as a whole starts trending downward.  House was a huge difference-maker on both ends of the floor.   The Rockets are 16-9 when he plays.  And 9-9 when House doesn’t.

The Rockets should have enough to beat the Nets, a team that is improving yet still young, if Houston plays down to their competition, it will result in a loss.  Hopefully, the Beard can get some help on the floor tonight and the Rockets can put it all together for a win as they try and keep pace in the Western Conference standings.

 

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Brooklyn Nets (22-23): White

Houston Rockets (25-18): Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW