Rockets Head North, Face Raptors to Start Road Trip
Border Wars. Diving Dinos. Holiday Trip.
The Rockets head north of the border for their annual game in Toronto on Sunday night, as they visit the struggling Raptors. Houston is coming off a blowout win at home over the New Orleans Pelicans. Tonight is the first of a three-game holiday road trip for the Rockets. This game also marks another back-to-back for Houston, as they’ll play in Charlotte against the Hornets tomorrow night. And to close the trip, the Rockets will face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Boxing Day. It’s a great opportunity for Houston to bring some Christmas cheer to their fans over the holiday, as the Rockets have three very winnable games, starting with tonight’s Border War.
Toronto is struggling mightily, as they’ve lost six consecutive games. Overall, the Raptors are in second-to-last place in the Eastern Conference, with a 7-21 record on the season. Regardless, Toronto is bound is break their losing streak some time. Houston just hopes it’s not tonight. The Rockets needs to approach this team with the intensity they’ve shown throughout their best wins this season. The Raptors are led any Scottie Barnes, one of the best young players in the league. Barnes averaged 20-5 points per game in two matchups against Houston last season. Toronto’s rookie guard Gradey Dick is also off to a solid start to his career. Overall, the Raptors have won five of the past six games against the Rockets. Last season, these teams split the season series.
Houston has a great chance to continue building another winning streak tonight. The Rockets are a much better team than these Raptors, and as long as they don’t overlook their opponent, Houston should win this matchup. Jalen Green is coming off one of his best games of the season in the Rockets win over the Pelicans in their last contest. This trip is another chance for Green to hopefully implement some consistency into his game. Maybe even evolve into the All-Star player and reach the potential Houston envisioned in Green when they drafted him three years ago. The Rockets are 4-0 when Green scores at least 30 points this season. Hopefully the squad avoids overlooking these Raptors. Houston’s holiday road trip starts tonight, as the Rockets aim to get a victory in their only game up north in Canada this season.
Scotiabank Arena: Toronto, Canada
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (18-9): White
Toronto Raptors (7-21): Black
Tip-Off: 5:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass