Rockets Aim to Snap Skid in Matchup with Nets
Across the Bridge. Brooklyn Payback. Goodbye, NY.
The Rockets finish their New York two-step with a visit across the Brooklyn Bridge to battle the Nets on Tuesday night. Brooklyn won the first matchup between these teams, 110-98, back in Houston on Saturday night. The Nets haven’t played since that game, with two days of fresh legs for their players. Meanwhile, the Rockets are coming off a tough loss against the New York Knicks last night (Monday). Despite Brooklyn’s rest advantage, it’s tough to beat the same team in a row twice in the NBA, and the Rockets are playing with more intensity since their loss to the Nets in the first meeting a few days ago.
Houston is riding a three game losing streak for the first time all season entering this contest. Fred VanVleet will miss his second straight game tonight, but Alperen Sengun is listed as probable. After playing every game of the season, Al-P has missed the last couple matches, and the Rockets are 0-2 without Sengun in the lineup this season. Regardless if their All-Star center plays tonight, the Rockets should win this game. Expect Ime Udoka to have Houston fired up and hungry for revenge, after an embarrassing outing in a losing effort to these Nets on Saturday night at home.
This is the third straight game the Rockets are playing a New York area team. And it’s the last time they’ll play the Nets or Knicks until next season, unless the Rockets and Knicks meet in the NBA Finals (which is possible, but not likely). Despite playing the second half of a back-to-back, look for Houston to play with more energy than they did against the Nets in the first matchup. The Rockets have shown they’re actually a better team on the road, compared to playing at Toyota Center back home this season.
Houston has no excuses to lose this game tonight. And this Rockets team should never lose four straight games. As long as they didn’t go out partying in the Big Apple last night, the squad should be in line for a victory in this matchup. Expect Houston’s skid to end tonight, as the Rockets should be ready to channel their road-warrior mindset and beat a very bad Brooklyn Nets team.
Barclays Center: Brooklyn, New York
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (32-17): Red
Brooklyn Nets (16-33): Black
Tip-Off: 6:30 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass