Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs Game Preview
Your top source for Houston Rockets news, rumors, analysis, stats, and scores from a fan's perspective. Tonight marks the start of a new campaign in pursuit of the NBA Cup for the Houston Rockets.
Last season, Houston showed the league they were no longer a struggling team. They secured their NBA Cup group early after a win on Minnesota's neon green court, finishing the group stage with one game remaining. Despite a tense final day as the Sacramento Kings made 15 consecutive shots, Houston clinched a home game in the knockout stage. This home advantage helped them defeat the Golden State Warriors for the first time in four years.
Although the Rockets lost in the semifinals to the Thunder, this was a milestone for their young roster, many of whom had little experience in meaningful playoff games.
San Antonio Spurs Challenge
This season, the San Antonio Spurs are a team that could replicate last year's Rockets' breakthrough. Houston faced challenges last year without stars like Victor Wembanyama, currently the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year if the season ended today, and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
- De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet are game-time decisions.
- Dylan Harper is out, which is unfortunate given his recent strong performance.
Rockets fans expect at least one of Fox or Kornet to be available for tonight's game.
"Houston wrapped up the group with a game to spare and secured a home game in the knockout stages, which allowed them to finally knock the Golden State Warriors off for the first time in four years."
The Rockets' young players gained crucial playoff experience despite the semifinal loss to the Thunder.
San Antonio Spurs could follow in Houston’s footsteps this season, making tonight’s matchup especially intriguing.
Author's Summary
The Rockets enter tonight’s game with determination and growing playoff experience, facing a Spurs team poised to emulate their past success despite key player uncertainties.