We’re 6.1% of the way through the NBA regular season.
That’s just there in case anyone is taking Houston’s 5-0 record and extrapolating it to contender status.
The Rockets were 13-4 to begin last season, and we all remember the disaster that ended up being. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t enjoy this fun start. You absolutely should! But taking a fun surprising start and building new expectations off of it is a recipe for disappointment. Give this team time.
Nevertheless, the Rockets are playing fun
and free. This looks nothing like last season’s tooth-pulling adventure. The offense is flowing and shots are going in. There will inevitably be a time where the vibes are no longer stellar.
Speaking of last season (I’m sorry), there was a time where the Rockets were 15-5 and sauntered into Dallas to take on the 8-16 Mavs. And yes, of course it was the second night of a back-to-back because it always is. Anyway, the Rockets were without Alperen Sengun (GTD tonight), Steven Adams (OUT tonight), and Fred VanVleet (available as I type this and knock on all of the wood in the Pacific Northwest). Dallas scored at will, shooting 60% from the field. They went 7-19 from deep and only took 20 free throws, but when you get a ton of shots at the rim, the analytics aren’t as important (yes I know analytics says shots at the rim are best).
Now, Houston isn’t on a back-to-back, but they do play again tomorrow. This is a Friday night game so you know American Airlines Center will be packed to see Cooper Flagg and Friends get their first division win. It’s yet another road test for a surging Rockets team that is dealing with some injuries and still trying to find out who they’ll be over 82 games.
Dallas is 3-1 since that opening night matchup, with their only loss coming to the Spurs. They just took down the Oklahoma City Thunder to give OKC their first loss of the season and they would love to do the same to their I-45 rivals.
Tonight also marks the first game of Houston’s NBA Cup journey. The Rockets will be attempting to win the Falcon this season in West Group A. Their other road contest will come against Denver in a couple of weeks, and they’ll have two home games against the Jazz and Suns. Remember, 4-0 guarantees a spot in the Cup playoffs while 3-1 gives you a good chance but introduces point differential into the mix.
Tip-off
7pm CT
How To Watch
Space City Home Network
Injury Report
Rockets
Alperen Sengun: GTD
Steven Adams: OUT
Marcus Smart: GTD
Reed Sheppard: OUT
Mavericks
Naji Marshall: GTD
Derek Lively II: OUT
Santi Aldama: GTD
The Line (as of this post)
Hou -5.5
Check here for updates
Schedule Advantage Counter
Rockets: 0
Opponents: 1
Looking ahead because we can
Tomorrow night in Oklahoma City against the Thunder
