Rockets Aim to Snap Skid, Return Home to Host Raptors
Super Sunday. Another Matinee. Friendly Confines.
Houston gets the rare chance to play on Super Bowl Sunday, as they host the Toronto Raptors in another matinee matchup. The Rockets are desperately trying to snap a six-game losing streak this afternoon. After playing eight of their last nine games on the road, Houston finally returns to the friendly confines of Toyota Center this afternoon. Toronto has lost three straight contests after a season-high five game winning streak. The Rockets won the first matchup between these squads, 114-110, back on December 22nd north of the border. And fellow Canadian Dillon Brooks scored 27 points to lead the way for Houston in the victory. Expect Brooks to have more of an offensive impact as the Rockets are more hindered than usual entering this game.
This is the fifth game in seven days for Houston, so the Rockets will be fighting fatigue and battling tired legs in this matchup. Despite the amount of games recently, and the losing streak, Houston should beat this Raptors team. Toronto is only 16-36 on the season, and the Rockets have no excuses to lose to an inferior team, especially at Toyota Center. It’s been announced that Fred VanVleet will remain out through the All-Star break, so the squad will have to continue to tread water without their floor leader. Tari Eason and Steven Adams are also missing today’s contest for precautionary injury maintenance (as will be the case for now on back-to-backs according to Head Coach Ime Udoka). Regardless, Houston has shown they’re boasting one of the deepest rosters in the entire league, so beating this below-average Toronto team shouldn’t be an impossible task.
It’s also Jalen Green’s 23rd birthday today, so maybe he’ll have a surprise performance in store today. Prior to this current losing streak Houston finds themselves mired in, the Rockets were a better road team compared to at home. However amongst all the tough travels, Houston now has a better record at home than on the road. The Rockets should be able to take care of this bad Raptors team. Scottie Barnes is their biggest threat and best player. Although Toronto did acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans on the trade deadline, but he’s not expected to suit up for the Raptors in this matchup. Look for the Rockets to get back on track with a win today, but it may not be as easy as Houston wants. As the best play-by-play man in the biz, Craig Ackerman, said during the broadcast in Dallas… it’s not Rockets basketball if the game doesn’t go down to the wire.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Toronto Raptors (16-36): Black
Houston Rockets (32-20): Red
Tip-Off: 1:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass