Rockets Seek to Keep Rolling on the Road, Travel to Face Wizards
Quick Trip. Green’s Week. Fresh Start.
The rejuvenated Houston Rockets make a brief one-game road-trip to Washington D.C to face the Wizards on Tuesday night. This is the second matchup between these squads in the past week, with the Rockets winning the first matchup, 135-119, back in Houston last Thursday. The Wizards are more beat up than in that first contest, as Kyle Kuzma will be missing tonight’s game with an injury. He’s arguably their best player, but the Rockets still are facing professionals on the other side, and need to particularly keep an eye on Jordan Poole on the defensive end.
Jalen Green was announced as the Western Conference’s Player of the Week on Monday. It’s the first time Green has received the honor, as he led the Rockets to a 3-0 week while playing the best basketball of his career last week. That included a season-high 37 points in a win over these Wizards. Expect Green to continue playing with more aggressive and confidence, especially against a team who’s defense he lit up less than a week ago. After tonight’s matchup, the Rockets return home for three very winnable games. Not to look too far ahead, but if Houston continues playing with this defensive discipline, they can pile on a few more wins before heading back out on the road for a tough matchup in OKC against the Thunder on March 27th. With a 7-1 record, the Rockets have been the best team in the NBA in March. They’ll aim to keep the winning ways rolling as they aim for their fifth straight road win, and sixth consecutive win overall, tonight in D.C.
Amen Thompson is back in the starting lineup tonight, and with Alperen Sengun out for the season, it appears Thompson has a starting role for the remainder of this campaign. The rookie has thrived with increased playing time this season, as if he’s been given a fresh start after beginning the season dealing with an injury. In nine games as a starter this season, Thompson is averaging 13.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and shooting 63% from the floor. He’s nearly a double-double machine when he starts. Look for the rookie to continue to be a key part of Houston’s success as we approach the final 15 games of the regular season, starting tonight with a matchup in the nation’s capital against the lowly Wizards.
Capitol One Arena: Washington, D.C.
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (32-35): White
Washington Wizards (11-57): Black
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass