Now the real test begins.
The Houston Rockets wrap up their 2-week homestand against the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets, and then turn around for a 3-game road trip to California against teams with championship aspirations (Clippers, Lakers, Warriors). The Rockets almost assuredly will be underdogs in all four games. Rockets fans don’t expect a 4-0 stretch, but I think we’d all like to see Houston hang with these teams, especially on the road. The Nuggets are missing Jamal Murray tonight, but the California teams look like they’ll be at full strength, particularly when it comes to their stars.