Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game preview

I cannot wait to hear about how this is a trap game, a Corey Brewer revenge game, or a Tyler Ennis revenge game. Cannot wait.

Sure, Brewer once dropped 51 on the Rockets, but based on his performance over the last 2 seasons, he’s unlikely to have double-digits tonight. Ditto for Tyler Ennis, whose career high is 15.

It’s still a shame for the Rockets that their opening night loss to the Lakers cannot be avenged. There was a fan that spent the whole game yelling at Harden who probably deserves to be subjected to 48 minutes of complete domination. The Lakers rode a loud crowd to a deserved win as Houston just collapsed late and the Lakers didn’t miss late.

The Rockets will get a semblance of that squad tonight, at least. Timofey Mozgov is a healthy scratch for the rest of the season as the Lakers have gone into overt tank mode after they realized no one believed they were trying anymore. The Lakers still have D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram who are all young players to watch out for. It’s the core of a team hoping to build through both the draft and free agency. Ivica Zubac just had a 25-point game and Larry Nance Jr. seems to be a favorite in NBA circles.

Houston has generally done a good job this season of blowing out teams they should blow out. Of course there are exceptions, but the Rockets are the superior team here and should show that off tonight.

Somehow, despite the Lakers being on national television for every game this season, tonight’s contest is not available to a national viewing audience.

(Don’t worry, I know what I must do)

Prediction: Rockets lose by 25.

Tip-off is at 7pm CT.