Rockets vs. Hornets game thread

The Rockets head into the second game of a three game road trip tonight in Charlotte as the Rockets face the Hornets.

Today marks five years since Cole Aldrich and Daequan Cook became Rockets, but neither will be playing in this game. However, James Harden, who came in the trade with Aldrich and Cook via Oklahoma City will be, and he’ll have to be hot tonight if the Rockets want to win this game.

Harden had arguably the worst game of his season Monday in Philadelphia committing eight turnovers, but it also ended in a double-double for Harden. Tonight, less turnovers will be Houston’s biggest key.

Charlotte is coming off their best game of the season, a 110-93 win over the Denver Nuggets, in which five Hornets scored in double digits.

One of those was Jeremy Lamb, another player in the iconic trade five years ago today. Lamb is averaging 15.8 PPG so far this season and is coming into his own. He makes a challenging backcourt opponent with All-Star Kemba Walker.

Another former Rocket, Dwight Howard, is a Hornet now. His former backups Clint Capela and Tarik Black will look to contain him in the middle.

Again, Houston is without Chris Paul, Nene, and Trevor Ariza. Charlotte heads to the court without Nicolas Batum.