Rockets Host Pistons in MLK Day Matinee Showdown
Early Start. The Surprisers. Twin Day.
Houston welcomes the Detroit Pistons to town for an MLK Day affair on Monday afternoon. Today’s game is the earliest start time for a contest all season for the Rockets, who aren’t used to playing this early. Hopefully, it won’t impact their performance, as they’re facing an up-and-coming Detroit team that’s exceeded expectations this season.
Despite losing their last two games, the Pistons have won seven of their last ten games overall, and currently sport a 21-21 record, good for 9th place in the East, and a Play-In Spot if the season ended today. Houston is coming off a blowout win over the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday night that capped a three game road trip out West. The Rockets won the first matchup between these teams, 101-99, earlier this season on November 10th back in Detroit. And two of the NBA’s most surprising teams are ready to square off in what should be an exciting game at Toyota Center.
These teams will be linked forever because of the 2021 NBA Draft. Detroit selected Cade Cunningham with the first pick, and Houston picked Jalen Green second overall. Both players are having All-Star caliber seasons. And Green had an one of the best dunks of this entire NBA season in the first matchup when he posterized Cunningham on a transition slam. Expect Cunningham to be ready to have a big game this afternoon. The Rockets also need to keep Jalen Duren off the boards. The Pistons’ underrated big man didn’t play in the first matchup between these teams, and is a huge difference maker in the paint and on the glass. Look for Alperen Sengun to try and put Duren in foul trouble early, as he’s done in previous matchups.
Detroit boasts plenty of weapons besides their best player and bruising big man. The Pistons also have an experienced Rocket-Killer in Tim Hardaway Jr., and former All-Star Tobias Harris. Hardaway Jr. seems to average around 25 points against Houston, so don’t be surprised if he nails some ridiculous shots this afternoon. It’s also Twin Day, as Amen and Ausar Thompson will battle on the court for the first time this season. Ausar had been dealing with a blood clot issues earlier in the season, and missed the first game between these squads. Amen’s having an incredible season and certainly looks like the better twin, but Ausar is still in the starting lineup for Detroit. Expect plenty of feisty competitiveness in what should be a thrilling MLK matinee matchup.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Detroit Pistons (21-21): White
Houston Rockets (28-13): Black
Tip-Off: 1:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass