Struggles Persist Can They Bounce Back? Rockets Maintain Strong Form
Rockets Aim to Continue Strong Performance Against Struggling Trail Blazers
As the 2024-25 NBA season continues on January 18, the Houston Rockets (27-13) will face the Portland Trail Blazers (13-27) in a critical Western Conference clash at the Moda Center in Portland. Both teams enter this contest with different trajectories, and the outcome of this game could have major implications for their season.
The Rockets and Blazers have met twice already this season, with each team winning once. Houston dominated Portland 116-88 at home on November 22, covering an 11.5-point spread, while the Trail Blazers bounced back with a 104-98 victory on the road the very next day. With the series tied at one game apiece, this third and final regular-season matchup promises to be a pivotal one for both teams.
Portland’s Struggles Continue – Can They Turn Things Around?
The Portland Trail Blazers have been struggling, having lost four straight games and winning just two of their last nine. On Thursday, January 11, Portland suffered a heavy 118-89 home defeat to the LA Clippers, which stretched their losing streak to four games. In this one-sided affair, the Blazers’ offense faltered under the Clippers’ suffocating defense, shooting a mere 37.4% from the field.
Portland’s three-point shooting was particularly dismal, with the team hitting just 9 of 34 attempts from beyond the arc. Star guard Anfernee Simons, who leads the team with 18.2 points per game, had an off-night, failing to score in 30 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Dalano Banton stepped up to lead the Blazers with 23 points in the loss.
Injury issues are also piling up for Portland. Forward Jerami Grant (15.0 PPG) and guard Deni Avdija (14.0 PPG) are both listed as questionable for the Rockets matchup, while center Donovan Clingan (5.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG) is officially ruled out. These missing pieces further complicate Portland’s efforts to regain form and take down the Rockets.
Houston Rockets: Strong Form Amidst Western Conference Competition
The Houston Rockets have been a force to be reckoned with this season, boasting a solid 27-13 record and sitting comfortably in the middle of the highly competitive Western Conference. Houston is on the up and up after their strong showing earlier this season, especially with players like Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün stepping up and contributing consistently.
On the offensive end, the Rockets have had no trouble putting up points, ranking in the upper half of the league in scoring. Houston has benefited from a well-rounded offensive approach, which includes impressive shooting from the field and beyond the arc. The Rockets will look to exploit Portland’s struggling defense, which has allowed opponents to shoot efficiently in recent games.
Defensively, Houston remains solid, with a much-improved defense compared to previous seasons. They will need to continue that strong performance in limiting Portland’s scorers, especially considering the injuries the Blazers are dealing with.
Conclusion
Given the current form of both teams, the Rockets enter this matchup as heavy favorites. Portland’s injury concerns, coupled with their ongoing struggles on both ends of the floor, make it difficult to envision a path to victory against a surging Houston team. While the Blazers have shown flashes of potential, they have not been able to maintain consistency, particularly against higher-caliber teams.
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