The Houston Rockets are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This matchup is particularly significant as it serves as the decider in their season series, with both teams having secured one victory each in their previous encounters.
On November 22, the Rockets won 116-88 at home, but the Trail Blazers rallied the next day with a spirited 104-98 victory away from home. The Rockets, who have won six of their previous eight games, have been playing quite well lately. However, they lost to the Sacramento Kings 132-127 on the road on Thursday, ending their five-game winning streak.
The Rockets demonstrated tenacity in spite of the loss, coming back from a 16-point hole to almost complete a comeback. Alperen Şengün had a double-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals, while Jalen Green led the way with 28 points on 10 of 20 shooting. Amen Thompson, who finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, also had a big influence.
The Rockets enter this game with a strong 27-13 record, positioning them second in the Western Conference. They have demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities, averaging 114 points per game, though their field goal percentage stands at 44.9%, ranking them 25th in the league. Defensively, Houston has been formidable, allowing only 108 points per game, placing them fourth in defensive efficiency. Key contributors include Jalen Green, who leads the team with 21.5 points per game, and Alperen Sengun, who adds 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per contest.
In contrast, the Trail Blazers have struggled this season, holding a 13-27 record and sitting 13th in the Western Conference. Their offensive output averages 107.9 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 44.7%, ranking them 23rd in the league. Defensively, they have been less effective, conceding 116.9 points per game, which places them 24th in defensive efficiency. Anfernee Simons leads the team with 18.2 points per game, while Shaedon Sharpe contributes 18.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
In terms of recent performance, the Rockets have experienced a slight dip, losing their most recent game 132-127 to the Sacramento Kings. Prior to this, they had a five-game winning streak. The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, are on a four-game losing streak, with their latest defeat being a 118-89 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Injury reports indicate that the Rockets will be without Jock Landale and Jabari Smith Jr. for this game. The Trail Blazers are missing Matisse Thybulle and Donovan Clingan, while Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant are listed as questionable.
Given the disparity in team performance and standings, the Rockets are favored to win this matchup. Their superior offensive and defensive metrics, combined with the Trail Blazers' recent struggles, suggest that Houston is well-positioned to secure a victory in this decisive game.
