Rockets Head to Portland, Face Upstart Blazers
Blazing Start. Key Piece. Repeat History.
Somewhere in the far northwest, Portland, Oregon, to be exact, Rockets’ coach Stephen Silas is reminiscing, with a grin bigger than the Grinch’s, about a quote he told star Jalen Green earlier this season, “they’re either wins, or leaning lesson.” Simply referring to losses as learning lessons, which they all are. But in his third season as head coach, Stephen Silas’ Rockets have endured enough learning lessons. It’s time to put some wins on the board and show real improvement. Houston has a great chance against one of the early surprises of the season, the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers will be without their All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who is out for a few weeks with an injury. Houston needs to take advantage off his absence, as he’s been off to a red-hot start for Portland. He is their team basically. The Blazers are 4-0 when Lillard plays the entire game. However, Dame Dollar exited in the sec and half of their last game, which they ended up losing to the Miami Heat by 21 points at home. Simply put, Portland is a much less potent team without Lillard on the floor. Hopefully, Houston will get Alperen Sengun back, as his absence has been sorely missed by a Rockets’ offense that’s looked out of sorts lately.
These two squads have had close battles throughout the years past. The rosters may have changed, but don’t be surprised to see another tight contest in Portland on Friday night. The Rockets will need to seize the moment, and hope Dame’s absence doesn’t catch them off-guard. Moda Center is one of the toughest buildings to win for an opponent in the NBA. If Houston isn’t ready.. they could be in for another learning lesson.
Moda Center: Portland, Oregon
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (1-4): Black
Portland Trail Blazers (4-1): White
Tip-Off: 9 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass