The Houston Rockets got off to a hot start in Orlando with a couple of close victories, but they have some work to do to get back on track after being burned by Portland. Houston went cold in crunch time while also allowing for a 3-point barrage from Gary Trent Jr.
In a hard-fought battle in the middle of the Western Conference, the Rockets need every victory they can get to assure they remain in the four or five seed, which would be preferable toward future success.
The team may catch a break against the Los Angeles Lakers, who may rest some key players having already locked up the number one seed, but they could want to keep their stars in shape and rolling into the playoffs.