Pistons vs. Rockets Preview: Houston Attempts To End Seven-Game Losing Skid
In this story:
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (18-59) will begin their final homestand of the season against the Detroit Pistons (16-60) Friday night inside the Toyota Center.
The Rockets will attempt to replicate the success of their previous homestand, where they finished with a 3-3 record. Houston has since dropped seven consecutive games while going 0-5 amid its five-game road trip.
"It shows the character of this group," coach Stephen Silas said. "They are still fighting. They are still trying to do what's right. They are taking every opportunity to try and make the most of these final games, and I'm proud of them for that."
The Rockets have five games left in the season. The goal for the franchise is to win as many games as possible in hopes of entering the off-season on a positive note.
Kevin Porter Jr. had a solid outing during the Rockets' recent road trip. Porter averaged 19.4 points on 47.3 percent shooting, 6.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals over the last five games.
He posted his second-career triple-double during the Rockets' 130-125 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on March 22 with 14 points (6-14 FG), 10 assists and 10 rebounds.
"At the end of the day, we want to end the season on the right note," Porter said. "With momentum going into the off-season, we will try and take advantage of the games we have left while doing what we do, which is playing basketball."
Rockets Injury Report:
- K.J. Martin (left hip flexor strain) QUESTIONABLE
- Jae'Sean Tate (left knee soreness) OUT
Pistons Injury Report:
- Bojan Bogdanovic (left Achilles tendinopathy) OUT
- Alex Burk (left foot soreness) OUT
- Cade Cunningham (left tibia stress fracture) OUT
- Hamidou Diallo (right ankle sprain) OUT
- Rodney McGruder (right foot sprain) OUT
- Isaiah Stewart (left shoulder impingement) OUT
Three things to watch:
James Wiseman is starting to find his rhythm in Detroit:
Since the Golden State Warriors traded him to the Pistons, James Wiseman is finally starting to play consistent minutes. He has averaged 13.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in the 18 games he has played with the Pistons.
Wiseman has had six double-doubles with Detroit after three in the previous 60 games. He posted 14 points and 11 rebounds in the Pistons' one-point defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night.
Rookie battle Featuring Jaden Ivey:
With Cade Cunningham out due to injury, the 2022 NBA Draft battle between Jabari Smith Jr. and Jaden Ivey will take center stage. Both players have started to find their comfort level following the All-Star break.
Ivey, who has averaged 18.2 points and 6.9 assists since Feb. 23, scored 24 points in the Pistons' final game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ivey has scored in double-digits 63 times in 68 games and is the only rookie this season with at least 1000 points, 300 assists and 250 rebounds.
Rookie battle Featuring Jabari Smith Jr.:
Ivey's production in March has him in the running for Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month, while Smith should be the overall favorite to take home the honor in the western conference.
Smith will be looking to end March on a high note after averaging 15.3 points on 47.2 percent shooting and 7.6 rebounds. In 16 games, he has scored in double figures 14 times with six double-doubles.
Smith scored a game-best 30 points (10-19 FG, 3-5 3PT) on March 9 in a loss to the Indiana Pacers.
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
Want the latest in news and insider information on the Houston Rockets? Click here
Follow Inside the Rockets on Facebook here
Follow Inside the Rockets on Twitter @InsideRocketsFN
Want even more Houston Rockets news? Check out the SI.com team page here
