Rockets Host Rebuilding Raptors in Home-Stand Finale
Jurassic Fridays. Stay in the Picture. Future Addition.
It’s the first of two “Jurassic Fridays,” as the Rockets host the rebuilding Toronto Raptors on Friday night. This is the first matchup between the squads this season, and the teams will wrap up their season series with a rematch next Friday in Toronto. The Raptors are currently 17-30, good for 12th place in the East. They’re actually coming off a win in Chicago over the Bulls, but these Raptors are in full rebuilding mode. They traded two of their best players, O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, earlier this season. Houston needs to take advantage of a team that clearly has their eyes set on the upcoming Draft Lottery. The Rockets are coming off a frustrating 110-99 loss the Pelicans on Wednesday night. Houston was out-hustled, and notably out-manned on the glass in that contest. The squad will try and get back on track against an easier opponent tonight.
The Rockets are currently 22-25 in the standings, which places them at 11th place in the West, just outside of the final Play-In spot. Houston only trails the Utah Jazz and the Lakers by a game or so for that final spot. This Rockets team is more than capable of sneaking into the Play-In, but they’ll need to win games like tonight against Toronto if they want to climb back in the race. The Raptors still some talent to reckon with, as do all NBA teams. Scottie Barnes is one of the best young players in the NBA, and is having a breakout-third season after struggling in his sophomore year. He will likely be guarded by Dillon Brooks as the focal point of Houston’s defense tonight.
In other news, the Rockets traded Victor Oladipo and three future draft picks for Steven Adams from the Memphis Grizzlies. Adams is out with the season with an injury, so this move is an addition for the future. Oladipo hadn’t played any games the season with Houston, so the Rockets are essentially only losing a few picks for one of the league’s best role players in this deal. Adams is one of the toughest players in the league, and the Aussie will be a great backup at center for Houston’s budding All-Star, Alperen Sengun. RJ Barrett remains out with an injury, but Immanuel Quickley will be making his return for the Raptors after missing a few games. Barrett and Quickly are new additions for Toronto from New York in the Anunoby deal. The Rockets are coming off a game they lost due to lack of effort. It is the “Dog Days” of the NBA season, as we’re nearing the All-Star break. Players are starting to feel the grind of an 82 game season as we’re now well into the second-half of this campaign. Except for Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore, who are both rolling right now. Look for both guards to continue having efficient performances as they face a bad Raptors team tonight. Plus, Ime Udoka should have Houston fired up and ready to end this home-stand with a win over Toronto on Friday night.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Toronto Raptors (17-30): Black
Houston Rockets (22-25): “City Edition” White
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass