Game Preview: Charlotte Hornets travel to Houston to battle Rockets
After a terrible loss on Monday night, the Charlotte Hornets will play the Houston Rockets on the second half of a back-to-back.
The Charlotte Hornets suffered another loss on Monday night, giving them a new three-game losing streak. With the loss, the Hornets must now face the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.
This game will be the first matchup between the Hornets and Rockets this season, and the 60th meeting all-time. The Hornets have not beaten the Rockets since 2016, and their last road win over them was in 2004.
The Rockets have dominated the Hornets 45-14 in all-time games, and it’s rare for Charlotte to come away with a victory. A win here would be nice, as the Rockets have won six straight against the Hornets.
The Hornets’ previous game was a 112-100 loss to the Orlando Magic, while the Rockets’ previous game was a 117-109 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Charlotte Hornets at Houston Rockets
8:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, February 4th, 2020
Toyota Center
Fox Sports Southeast
Stream: Fubo.tv
CHA:
PJ Washington – Ankle (Questionable)
HOU:
Austin Rivers – Illness (Questionable)
Russell Westbrook – Thumb (Doubtful)
Clint Capela – Heel (Out)
Things to watch for:
It seems that the injury bug has bitten the Rockets, and this could play a factor. While Westbrook is doubtful for the game, it’s important to note that the Rockets are 4-3 without him.
Capela is a terrific defender, and him being out may help the Hornets when attacking the paint. The Rockets have a small rotation, and they have been playing PJ Tucker at the center position.
Keys to the game:
The Hornets have a strong chance in this one with the Rockets’ injuries if they take advantage of mismatches. The Rockets will be playing extremely small, so the Hornets need to take advantage of height in the post.
Another issue will be to take care of James Harden. It’s really hard for teams to guard Harden, and with Westbrook likely out, he could be due for one his fifty point nights. The Hornets must limit the amount of shot that Harden takes.
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This will be a tough one for Charlotte, but it could happen if the Hornets play turnover-free basketball and take advantage of the height they have in the frontcourt. This will be the last game that the Hornets play before the trade deadline on Thursday.