Rockets Visit a Familiar Face, Look to End Losing Streak
Wall’s Return. No Easy Beal. Must-Win?
John Wall and the Rockets visit Wall’s former team, the Washington Wizards, and Russell Westbrook on Monday night. The Wizards are the only franchise Wall played for before arriving in Houston. Expect a video dedication of some sort for the All-Star guard who spent many years in a Wizards uniform. For now, Wall will be looking to put a damper on the Wizards’ night, and beat former teammate Bradley Beal, who’s having the best season of his career. Despite the 7-17 record and last place positioning in the Eastern Conference, the Wizards still have two All-Stars in Westbrook and Beal, and Washington’s coming off an impressive win over the Celtics last night.
Houston has the rest advantage, having not played since Saturday. And the Wizards have been one of the worst teams to start this regular season. Despite all this, tonight’s contest in D.C. will be no easy task for the Rockets. Bradley Beal scores more than anyone, leading the league in points per game this season. Beal, along with Westbrook, can go off and carry their team on any given night. Other than those two, Rui Hachimura will be an inside threat in the post for the Wizards, and if Houston can’t start rebounding better, D.C.’s young big-man could go-off for a big night on the glass.
Is tonight a must-win game for the Rockets? They’re 11-15 in the standings, currently skidding on a five-game losing streak. The Wizards are the worst team in the East, and they played last night. You would think the Rockets could put it together for four quarters and beat this Wizards team. I believe they can. But they’ll have to show us they can defeat the Washington’s magic on the court tonight. Get ready for an entertaining show in John Wall’s return to face Westbrook and the Wiz in D.C.
Capital One Arena: Washington D.C.
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (11-15): “City Edition” Blue
Washington Wizards (7-17): Dark Blue/Navy
TV: 6 PM CT – NBA TV, AT&T Sportsnet SW