Before We Get to All-Star Weekend, the Rockets Still Have One Test Ahead of Them

After gutting out a tough win on the road in Oklahoma yesterday, next week brings a familiar challenge to the Rockets. Yet another back to back is on the horizon.  

This time they’ll face the new-look Clippers with both games in the Toyota Center. The first and only time they’ll have this variety of a back to back this season, as they’re playing the same team in their own arena. 

The only other time they matched up against the same team in consecutive days was in Utah. Houston split those games on November 30th and December 1st. 

Up until this past week, that had become the expected outcome of any two games across two days. Losses against Boston and Charlotte broke those expectations in the worst way, as covered on Roundtable. 

Now joining the list of teams to get swept in a back to back scenario, the Rockets still remain on the short list of teams to not get themselves a sweep in those back to backs. A slight concern that previously discussed here.

The Orlando Magic are the only other playoff level team included, and they’ve had a pretty disappointing season. The Bulls, Bucks, Grizzlies, Mavericks, Nets, and Wizards round out the list. 

With Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson reportedly set to make their debuts for LA, but Darius Garland sitting out, Houston has an interesting challenge ahead of the All-Star break. 

Two games on consecutive nights, but against a pretty unfamiliar opponent. An opponent that’s not even familiar with themselves at this point. Hopefully they bring the requisite focus needed to take advantage of an awkward Clippers roster.