Rockets Aim for Victory Again, Host Wizards
Streaking Spell. Chip on the Bird. He’s So Happy.
Fresh off their first win of 2023, the Rockets host the Wizards on Wednesday night. It’s the first of two straight home games, as Houston plays the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. The Wizards are 20-26 on the season, on the outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. They’re led by All-Star Bradley Beal, and Kyle Kuzma, who’s playing at an All-Star level. Other than that, Washington recently dealt Rui Hachimura, one of their talented, young big men, to the Lakers for future draft picks. The Wizards are already looking to the future, as it seems they don’t believe they can sneak into the Play-In Tournament out East. The Rockets will try and cement that idea in Washington’s future plans, with a win on Wednesday night.
The Wizards are the former team of Garrison Mathews, aka “Gary Bird”, as he’s known in the Houston area. Mr. Bird isn’t too fond of his former team, who basically dumped him for nothing. Expect Mathews to potentially have some big moments in what could be a revenge game of sorts for Mr. Bird. Mathews has a chip on his shoulder, and that’s a good thing for the Rockets. Garry Bird is one of the toughest players in the NBA, specifically one of the best the league’s seen at drawing charges, a true skill that takes effort and courage. Houston needs to feed off the energy Garry Bird will bring when he’s in the contest tonight. He’s still got unfinished business with this Wizards crew.
Tonight is Alperen Sengun’s first bobblehead night. And it comes at the perfect time. Sengun is currently playing the best basketball of his career. He’s showing the league why Houston took him in the first round, and he’s proving to be the steal, and possibly best player of that entire draft. His teammate, Jalen Green, may have something to say about that, but both players have plenty of time to grow into the stars they will become. For now, the Rockets need to channel Sengun’s catchphrase “I’m So Happy,” which can be heard around the arena on Wednesday night, as this bobblehead also talks. Houston finally has the monkey that was that miserable 13-game losing streak off their backs. It’s time for the squad to focus on the happiness that lies within this young team’s future potential… and gear up to squeak out another win against a very beatable Wizards team on Wednesday night.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Washington Wizards (20-26): White
Houston Rockets (11-36): Red
Tip-Off: 7:00
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass