Rockets vs. Nets Preview: One Last Chance To Avoid A Winless Road Trip
When the Houston Rockets (18-58) began their five-game road trip, coach Stephen Silas knew a daunting task awaited. But given the success of their six-game homestand, Silas was confident in his team's ability to compete and steal a few wins.
But following a 137-115 loss to the New York Knicks Monday night, the Rockets are trying to recapture their momentum ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets (40-35), which will mark their final game of the road trip.
"We just have to have some pride," Jabari Smith Jr. said. "We have to go out there and play hard. Let the chips fall where they may. But don't go out by not giving our best effort and not playing our hardest."
The Rockets are entering the Barclays Center riding a six-game losing streak amid a 0-4 road trip record.
One of the few positives amid Houston's road struggles has been the consistent and efficient scoring from Jalen Green. With a pair of 30-point performances, Green is averaging 23.5 points on 49.3 percent shooting over the previous four games.
"I've been taking the shots my guys give me instead of forcing them all the time," Green said. "My guys have been locked in and setting screens, and we have been executing the offense well too. That has played a big role in how I've been scoring."
Rockets vs. Nets Broadcast Information:
- Date: Wednesday, March. 29
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
- Radio: 790 AM
- Live Stream: League Pass
Rockets Injury Report:
- Jae'Sean Tate (left knee soreness) OUT
Brooklyn Nets Injury Report:
- Ben Simmons (left knee/back soreness) OUT
Three things to watch:
Taking advantage of the Nets' recent struggles:
The Nets have struggled to sustain their success since their 22-point victory against the Rockets in early March.
Brooklyn currently holds the sixth and final playoff spot in the eastern conference. But a loss against the Rockets could put Brooklyn a step closer to the Play-In Tournament. The Nets have posted a record of 3-7 over their last 10 games, which includes a recent five-game losing streak.
Limiting Mikal Bridges:
Silas has been irked by the Rockets' defense during their road trip. Their lackluster performance led to Luke Kennard (30) and Immanuel Quickley (40) setting career highs against the Rockets. And the Nets will be a tougher match-up for Houston's defense due to the play of Mikal Bridges.
Since Brooklyn acquired the two-way player in the Kevin Durant trade with the Phoenix Suns, Bridges has averaged 26.8 points on .496/.412/.910 shooting splits.
Despite falling to the Orlando Magic by 13 points Sunday night, Bridges had one of his best performances of the season. He recorded a career-best 44 points (13-22 FG, 6-9 3FG, 12-of-12 FT) and six rebounds in the loss.
Measuring defensive improvements for Jabari Smith Jr.:
Jabari Smith Jr. has been solid on the defensive end for Houston all season.
But the rookie prospect from Auburn University recently revealed that defending quick guards on the perimeter has been a bit challenging, and Smith specifically cited Nets' guard Spencer Dinwiddie following their previous contest against the Nets.
Smith said Dinwiddie's quickness made it hard to stay in front of him, which led to a handful of easy baskets around the rim. Dinwiddie scored 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting during his last meeting against the Rockets.
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