After a demoralizing loss and coach ejection, Rockets face a surging Hornets squad seeking immediate redemption and composure.
The Rockets enter Toyota Center with heads hanging low after what was arguably their most disappointing performance of the season, a flat loss to the Celtics at home that spiraled well beyond the box score.
The only reason the deficit didn’t balloon earlier was that Boston needed nearly a full half to find its shooting rhythm, offering Houston a window they never truly capitalized on.
Frustration boiled over as the night unraveled. Ime Udoka was ejected late in the third quarter after picking up consecutive technicals, a visible breaking point in a game that had already slipped out of structure.
Minutes later, Alperen Şengün followed him to the locker room after drawing a technical of his own while fighting through constant contact in the paint. What was already a long night became symbolic: Houston lost both its emotional anchor on the floor and its steady hand on the sideline.
Now, the Rockets are tasked with a quick mental reset against a Charlotte team riding serious momentum.
The Hornets arrive in Houston playing their best basketball of the season, winners of seven straight and full of confidence on both ends of the floor. They’ve been aggressive defensively, comfortable pushing pace, and unafraid to let games get uncomfortable- exactly the type of opponent that can compound Houston’s recent issues if focus slips early.
For the Rockets, this game is less about tactics and more about response. The Celtics exposed a lack of composure once adversity hit. Ball movement stalled, shot selection narrowed, and energy became reactive instead of deliberate.
Against Charlotte, Houston won’t get the luxury of waiting for rhythm to appear. The Hornets have been jumping teams early and forcing them to play uphill.
Alperen Şengün remains central to Houston’s path forward. Even in a frustrating outing against Boston, his presence dictated defensive attention and stabilized possessions when the floor spacing collapsed.
How he channels that physicality tonight- especially after the emotional toll of last night- will matter just as much as the stat line. The Rockets need his patience as much as his production.
Ime Udoka’s influence will also be felt, even from the bench. Houston’s identity under Udoka has been rooted in discipline, defensive connectivity, and emotional control. Last night was a rare fracture of that standard. Tonight is a chance to reassert it.
Charlotte will test Houston’s maturity. They’ll push tempo, crash opportunistically, and look for signs of lingering frustration. If the Rockets allow emotions to dictate pace again, the Hornets have shown they’re capable of making that mistake costly.
This is a get-right spot, but only if Houston treats it as one. Energy alone won’t be enough. The Rockets need structure, composure, and buy-in from the opening tip- not as a reaction, but as a choice.
Because after last night, how Houston responds matters more than who they’re playing.