The Rockets look to snap a 3-game losing streak tonight
The Houston Rockets are on a three-game losing streak, and each game has been frustrating in its own way.
First there was the loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams came in at less than 100%, but Memphis edged Houston despite the Rockets leading by 7 late. The Grizzlies made several lucky shots against good defense around the rim and had a prayer answered on a turnaround bank shot grenade by Jake LaRavia. Oh, and Memphis’s final two points were free throws.
Last night was a loss in New York to the Knicks. Houstonw as further undermanned because Fred VanVleet was unavailable. The Rockets lead by double digits multiple times in the game, but the Knicks rode a supernova Jalen Brunson performance and some referee assistance (as in, the Knicks somehow never fouled Jalen Green on his drives) to a 46-point fourth quarter. Inexcusable, but extra frustrating because the Rockets led by 11 heading into the fourth quarter and were unable to finish the job.
Sandwiched between those games was a loss to tonight’s opponent, the Brooklyn Nets. Even good teams lay eggs (unless you’re OKC), and the Rockets are young and lost their veteran point guard midway through the contest. The Rockets looked like a team coming off a long road trip (right before heading on another one) and the energy level was poor throughout. Houston makes it hay by grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring in transition. In that game, they secured 14 offensive rebounds but gave up 13. Meanwhile, Houston only scored eight points on fast breaks. Basically, the Nets did exactly what you want to do when you play Houston, which is take care of the ball and crash the boards.
Can Houston prevent the season sweep tonight? The only teams in the NBA still with a chance to sweep the Rockets this season are the Nets, Kings, Bucks, Heat, Suns, Jazz, and Magic. So far, no one has completed the task but the Nets could be the first.
We’ll be in the Playback room tonight, so you should come join to watch the Rockets and talk about the game. Remember, we get a handful of VIP passes that we give out to anyone who wants to watch the game. No League Pass necessary!
Tip-off
6:30pm CT
How To Watch
Space City Home Network, NBA TV, and Playback
Injury Report
Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr.: OUT
Alperen Senugn: probable
Fred VanVleet: OUT
Jock Landale: OUT
Tari Eason: OUT
Nets
Bojan Bogdanovic: OUT
Ben Simmons: OUT
Cameron Johnson: OUT
Cam Thomas: OUT
Noah Clowney: OUT
The Line (as of this post)
Hou -9
Check here for updates
Looking ahead because we can
Thursday night in Minnesota against the Minnesota Timberwolves
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