Rockets vs. Nets Pre-Game 1/3/24

Rockets Seek Second Straight Win, Welcome Nets to Town

Rest Advantage.    Chance for Distance.    Run Out the Gate.

Undefeated since the turn of the New Year, the Rockets welcome the reeling Brooklyn Nets to Toyota Center for a Wednesday night matchup. The Nets are struggling of late. Brooklyn has lost four straight games, and 9 of their last 11 matches overall. And like Houston, the Nets currently are hanging onto the 9th seed in their Conference, the East. The Rockets will aim to win their second straight tonight, while dealing Brooklyn their fifth straight loss. The Nets lost last night in New Orleans to the Pelicans, so Houston has the rest advantage tonight. The Rockets need to take full advantage of this tired Brooklyn team. Tonight marks the end of of a three-game road-trip for the Nets. Houston wants to make sure the Nets’ last stop is by no means the easiest.

After starting the season 11-1 at Toyota Center, the Rockets are 2-3 over their past five home games. The squad needs to protect home-court against a Nets team they should beat tonight. With a 16-15 record, Houston has a chance to distance themselves and move farther up the standings with a win. Tonight’s matchup is very important, as the Rockets home-stand ends with a very difficult back-to-back over the weekend. A win tonight would ensure Houston stays at least within the realms of .500 during this home-stand. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson will be the biggest threats tonight against the Rockets. Spencer Dinwiddie and Nic Claxton could also be poised to have strong evenings. Despite their record, this Brooklyn team plays hard, and Houston cannot beat themselves if they want to win this matchup.

The Rockets desperately need to get off to a fast start, especially on the defensive end. After having one of the most dominant defenses in the league for most of the season, Houston’s defense has slipped over the past several games. Despite winning by 23 points, Houston still gave up 113 points to Detroit in an offensive-fueled battle. The Rockets offense has been stellar lately, but their defense has slacked in comparison. Houston has the greatest chance to win when they allow their opponents to score no more than 110 points. If more points allowed, Houston’s usually in a shootout that won’t win. The 3-30 Pistons were an anomaly to that trend. The Rockets need to tighten up their defense tonight… as they aim to stay undefeated in 2024.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Brooklyn Nets (15-19):  White

Houston Rockets (16-15):  Black

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass