The Houston Rockets were hoping to get off to a strong start to the second half of the season, but that hasn't happened, going 3-4 after the All-Star break. To make matters worse, more reports about discourse within the organization arose, pointing the finger at star guard James Harden. Still, this team has playoff expectations, and they're looking to find something positive they can build on. Let's get you up to speed with the week that was and the week ahead with our Rockets Weekly update:
Last Week:
Houston started last weeks with a seemingly uninspired defensive performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, giving up a career-high 36 points to Jabari Parker and a triple-double to Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 128-121 loss on Monday night. A return home on Wednesday brought about a 100-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, thanks to 39 points and 12 rebounds from Harden.
Then, Houston had a chance to return back to .500 in their first Saturday Night Primetime game on ABC against the Chicago Bulls, but came out flat again and couldn't make up the difference in the second half, losing 108-100.
What's Next?
Their loss to the Bulls kicked off a five-game road trip for the Rockets, one that continues on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. Houston will then face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday before having another back-to-back next weekend against the Boston Celtics on Friday and Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Read more Rockets news in the Chat Sports iPhone and Android apps.
Injuries:
Forward Terrance Jones is listed as day-to-day with an illness that caused him to miss Saturday's loss to the Bulls.
What They're Saying:
Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: More of the same
3-Pointers: Takeaways from the Rockets' loss in Chicago
Three things we saw in Houston Rockets loss to Bulls
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