Rockets Head North for Tilt with Raptors
The String Problem. Green Measuring Stick. Jabari’s Due.
Fresh off their first road win, the Rockets aim for two straight W’s as they head north to Canada for a matchup with the Toronto Raptors. Toronto is 6-5 on the season, coming off a loss to the Chicago Bulls in their previous game. Houston has a chance to steal one in Toronto if they play with the energy they displayed in their victory Monday night over the Magic in Orlando. The Rockets had trouble winning consecutive games last year, and they’ve yet to string two victories together this season. They’ll need to snap out of this “winners hangover” that’s seemed to significantly alter Houston’s performance in games when they’re coming off a victory. This mental barrier goes back three seasons. In the Stephen Silas era overall, the Rockets have rarely won consecutive games, or had any sort of winning streak. Houston aims to buck that trend tonight with an upset in Toronto.
Jalen Green’s coming off his best game of the season, where he scored 34 points in Orlando to lead the Rockets to victory over the Magic. Green out-dueled the first overall pick, Paolo Banchero, who scored 30 points for Orlando. He’ll have a more accurate measuring stick in tonight’s contest when he squares up against Toronto’s Scottie Barnes. The Raptors took Barnes with the fourth pick the same draft class where Houston chose Jalen Green with the second overall pick. Barnes won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award last season, and made an immediate impact for Toronto, compared to Green, who finished strong after fighting through a slow start to his career. Look for Green to be aggressive tonight, as he tries to lead the Rockets to their second straight win.
Houston’s first pick, and third overall, in this past draft, Jabari Smith Jr., is off to an underwhelming start. Smith Jr. had a solid debut performance, scoring 21 points in Atlanta, but he’s struggled mightily with his jumper since. Tonight would be the perfect time for a breakout performance from the rookie. The Rockets will need more help for Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, and the rest of the squad. It’s time for Jabari to show Houston they made the right choice in taking him with the third pick. Now… he needs to begin to display his superstar potential.
Scotiabank Arena: Toronto, Canada
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (2-9): White
Toronto Raptors (6-5): Black
Tip-Off: 6:30 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass