Rockets Aiming for Payback as Spurs Come to Town
Bottom Feeder Battle. Payback Time. Intensity Adjustment.
The Rockets play their fifth straight home game on Monday night, as they host their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs. This is a battle of the the bottom feeders in the Western Conference. The Rockets and Spurs are tied for the worst record in the conference. Houston is looking for revenge after the Spurs won the first meeting in the Alamo City, back on December 8th. Keldon Johnson had a career night for the Spurs in that contest, and the Rockets will have to do a better job containing him defensively if they want any chance to snap their own two-game skid.
After winning the first two games of this seven game home-stand in impressive fashion over the Bucks and Suns, Houston has lost the past two contests unimpressively. The Rockets are aiming to get back on track tonight, and they have a great chance against a very beatable Spurs team.
Houston also has another opportunity to blow another game they should win, if they don’t come out with the proper intensity. The squad needs an intensity adjustment, a jolt of sorts, from tip-off, and they need to sustain this for four quarters. San Antonio may be at the bottom of the standings, but as long as Gregg Popovich is at the helm, the Spurs will play hard every night.
The Rockets have to overlook their opponent’s record, and be prepared to play as hard as San Antonio, or Houston’s in for another disappointing loss. The Rockets should be tired of losing the past two games, and have the talent to beat this Spurs team… will their intensity overpower San Antonio’s? Find out on Monday night, in what should be at the very least, a close and competitive contest down the stretch… the I-45 Rivalry is back in action tonight in Houston.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
San Antonio Spurs (9-20): White
Houston Rockets (9-20): Red
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass