Rockets vs. Trail Blazers Pre-Game 8/4/20

Rockets Aim to Keep Blazing, Face Portland in Anticipated Launchfest

Bubble Blasters.    Close Calls.    Caution Time.

Houston looks to keep rolling in seeding game number three, where they’ll take on the Portland Trail Blazers. Both the Rockets and Blazers have played in close, competitive games in the first two bubble games. James Harden and the Rockets have played it dangerously, staging monumental comebacks in both their victories. Portland, meanwhile, lost a close one to the Celtics in their last game after narrowly beating the Grizzlies in their seeding opener. After attempting 61 three-pointers in their last game, expect the Rockets to be somewhere near that mark tonight, as the Blazers love to shoot from distance as well. Damian Lillard has been a Rocket-killer over the years, and his partner in crime, C.J. McCollum, is one of the most underrated stars in the NBA. Hopefully, Russell Westbrook continues to relentlessly attack the basket, and Robert Covington’s defense remains lethal on the perimeter. The Blazers are 30-38, and fighting for a playoff spot. Houston has a tendency to play down to their competition, and tonight the squad needs to attack the Blazers like they’re a contender.
If the Rockets play too cool for school tonight, the Blazers have more than enough firepower to blast by Houston. Jusuf Nurjkic is back in the lineup for Portland, after missing much of the season with an injury. Hassan Whiteside also gives the Blazers a dominant size advantage the Rockets will have to counter in the post. Despite being out-rebounded by 29 in their last game, Houston managed to find other ways to get the victory against the East-leading Bucks. The Rockets will likely be out-rebounded tonight as well, and need to make up for the margin by continuing to force turnovers for the opposition.

Expect a launch-fest tonight in Orlando, as two of the NBA’s most trigger-happy three-point teams square off, with a lot on the line. The Blazers are currently in the 9th seed, trying to fight off Memphis, San Antonio, New Orleans, Sacramento, and Phoenix for the final playoff spot. The Rockets are currently in fourth, and after a Clippers loss to the Suns earlier today, Houston is only two games out of the second seed, and a game behind Denver for third. Each win or loss makes a huge impact in the standings. With only six games remaining, the Rockets have a legitimate chance to sneak into the second spot in the West. However, they can’t take teams like Portland lightly. Despite their record, the Blazers are basically at full health, and much better than the wins and losses show. It’s a battle of two of the league’s best backcourts… Harden and Westbrook, vs. Dame and C.J. Expect plenty of long-bombs and another close, competitive game in the bubble tonight.

Orlando, Florida

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (42-24):  “Classic” Red

Portland Trail Blazers (30-38):  Black

TV:  8 PM CT – TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW