Jackson Gatlin here, the host of the daily Locked On Rockets podcast, with your daily Locked On Rockets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Rockets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Houston Rockets Vs Portland Trail Blazers Preview: Alperen Sengun’s Improved Defense Key To Success
Houston Rockets: Rising Stars and Defensive Dominance
As the Houston Rockets gear up for a weekend showdown with the Portland Trail Blazers, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. The Rockets have been exceeding expectations this season, showcasing a top-three defense and a gritty style reminiscent of the grit-and-grind Memphis Grizzlies. Despite shooting struggles, the team thrives on second-chance opportunities, forcing turnovers, and a relentless transition game. This physical style has been a key factor in their early success.
Rockets Unexpected Ascent
The Rockets have surprised many, including myself, with their performance this season. Initially, I predicted a finish around the seventh or eighth seed, but they’ve emerged as one of the NBA’s best teams so far. Their defense is a standout, and even without consistent shooting, they manage to demoralize opponents by dominating the offensive glass and capitalizing on turnovers. This gritty approach has been crucial in their rise.
Alperen Sengun has been a revelation, particularly on defense. His improvement in rim protection is noteworthy, ranking among the top centers in the league. This defensive uptick, combined with the team’s continuity from last season, has been instrumental. The return of Tari Eason, whose impact is often underestimated, adds another layer to their defensive prowess. Eason’s presence, along with the growth of players like Amen Thompson and Sengun, has propelled the Rockets forward.
Blazers Challenge and Key Matchups
Facing the Trail Blazers, who recently defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves twice, is no easy task. The Blazers, though not offensively dominant, are defensively sound and can surprise on any given night. Their recent victories, including an impressive in-season tournament win, highlight their potential to disrupt even the best teams.
The Rockets must be wary of the Blazers ability to force turnovers and their defensive tenacity. While the Blazers struggle with shooting, their defense keeps them competitive. For the Rockets, maintaining their physicality and exploiting their rebounding advantage will be crucial. The matchup between Sengun and Portland’s Donovan Clingan, a formidable shot-blocker, will be particularly intriguing. Clingan’s defensive prowess could challenge the Rockets interior game, making it essential for Houston to find ways to score efficiently.
As the Rockets continue to build on their early success, the focus remains on sustaining their defensive intensity and finding consistency in their shooting. The potential for growth is immense, and if the shooting improves, this team could become even more formidable.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Rockets strategies and upcoming matchups, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Analysis of the Rockets recent games and standout performances
- In-depth discussion on the impact of new acquisitions Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks
- A look at the Rockets upcoming schedule and key games to watch
- Insights into the development of young players like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson
- Updates on injury reports and player availability for the weekend matchups
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview Get ready for the NBA Cup game between the Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets. Check out the latest betting odds and game predictions to gear up for the action. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Are the Houston Rockets emerging as a serious contender? With standout performances from Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Tari Eason, this deep dive discusses their potential trajectory. Explore the Rockets’ potential and strategic improvements. (The Dream Shake)
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
Alperen Sengun Makes History AGAIN & Jabari Finding His Shot As Houston Rockets Cruise Past Pacers The Houston Rockets showcased their defensive prowess, forcing 23 turnovers and securing a 130-113 victory against the Indiana Pacers as Alperen Sengun led the charge with a dominant 31-point performance, particularly excelling in the second half.
Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Chasing Giannis Or Kevin Durant? Or Stay Patient With Young Core? How the Houston Rockets are redefining their approach by prioritizing organic growth over aggressive star trades. Is this the key to long-term success in the NBA?
Houston Rockets Heartbreaking Loss To Giannis & The Milwaukee Bucks: What Went Wrong? Breaking down how the Houston Rockets faced a nail-biting defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, losing 101-100 in a game filled with missed opportunities and crucial plays.
