Rockets Slump Into Brooklyn, In Desperate Need of a Win
The Houston Rockets begin their 5-game road-trip with against the Brooklyn Nets, another team the Rockets should beat, because they are (or were built to be, the better team). As more time passes, and more games are logged into the books, the Rockets could slowly see themselves as shifting from championship contenders to playoff contenders in the heated Western Conference, which seems to be more brutal this year than in record. The schedule gods were kind enough to give the Rockets a manageable East coast back-to-back, against two teams (Nets, Bulls) they should beat, even with all their injuries. Carmelo Anthony returns to New York City for the first time as a Rocket. Not to take on his former team, but we’ll see if the change of scenario can spark better play from Melo and the rest of his teammates as the Rockets look to rise from the bottom of the Western Conference standings and begin to make a footprint (albeit, a positive one) on this season. In their two previous road games, the Rockets got their first win of the season, and just avoided a comeback rally to fall short against the Clippers. One can only hope the inspired play on the road, at least compared to at home, will continue on this road trip. Maybe this road trip can act as a much-needed team bonding exercise that helps integrate the new faces into the Rockets organization. Players get to spend more time with each other on the road, and this can even be the road trip that really bonds the team together, and deepens the chemistry between players and coaching staff for the rest of the season. As many Rockets fans know, they need it. Desperately.
Barclays Center – Brooklyn, New York
6:30 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet