Rockets, Desperate for a Win, Square Off Against Nuggets to End Home-Stand
Home Finish. Another Test. No Margin for Error.
This game was always going to be a tough test. It’s now turned into a tough test of the must-win caliber. The Nuggets come into Toyota Center on Wednesday night, seeking to ensure that Houston’s skid continues. Denver is one of the West’s top teams, tied for second along with the Clippers and Jazz, with a record of 30-13. The Rockets were in the thick of the race with those clubs, but now sit three games back. Houston needs a win on Wednesday to get back on track, and end this miserable losing streak. After tonight, the Rockets head out on a tough four-game West-Coast road-trip. The schedule’s not going to get any easier. At least Houston’s at home tonight, closing out their longest home-stand of the season, also the most dreadful. James Harden has been completely out of sync. The Rockets need him to bounce back if they’re going to be the Nuggets. Russell Westbrook’s emerged as Houston’s best player during this losing streak, and his teammates need to play with the same energy. The Rockets need to start winning games.
The squad has no margin for error. With 40 games remaining, and five competitive teams playing well ahead of them in the West, Houston needs to fix whatever is going on. And they need to fix it by beating the Nuggets to wrap up this painful four-game home-stand. Otherwise home-court advantage in the first round will be out of the picture. P.J. Tucker is playing through a shoulder injury, and the Rockets needs Tucker on the court to win games. But other guys have to step up. The Rockets can’t afford to rest Tucker if he’s not risking getting a serious injury. P.J. is the glue guy on both ends for Houston. Tucker is the Rockets best defender, best screener, and so much more. When P.J.’s not on the court, his absence is glaring.
The Rockets need the energy of Brodie and Tucker to be contagious. Houston has to bring it tonight against Denver. The Nuggets hobble into Houston, playing without four of their top players, in Jamal Murray, Gary Harris Jr, Paul Millsap, and Miles Plumlee. Houston can’t afford to overlook the absence of these key players. If the Rockets play down to a wounded Nuggets team they should beat at home, it will only end their homestead in misery, and result in a fifth straight loss. Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as a potential All-Star caliber player recently. And Denver still has Nikola Jokic. The Joker will pose problems for Clint Capela and the Rockets inside. Look for Houston to bounce back, and finally get on the winning side of the scoreboard tonight. But don’t be look until there’s no time left on the clock. Until the scoreboard reads 00.00… anything’s possible. Especially with this Rockets team. A squad who relishes in making games as tough as possible for themselves. Expect more of the same, tonight. If the Rockets can’t finally close a game, and get a victory on this home-stand, especially against a decimated Denver team, it may signal time for tough changes in Houston.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Denver Nuggets (30-13): White
Houston Rockets (26-16): Red
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW