Rockets Host Warriors After Baffling Losses

0:00For the NBA, it's March 5th, and here's what's going on. The Houston Rockets rolled into this season as NBA title favorites after trading for superstar Kevin Durant. They were coming off their best win total since 2020, with sky high hopes for a deep playoff run. But things have gone sideways with a string of baffling losses to some of the league's worst teams. Those defeats stand out because the Rockets held double-digit leads, lading games they ended up dropping. They blew a 25-point advantage in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans, who have lingered near the bottom all year. Just after that, they squandered another big lead to the Sacramento Kings, who are battling for the Western Conference Basement. Fans and analysts are scratching their heads over these slip-ups, especially since the Rockets have held their own against top teams. Even with Point Guard Fred Van Veet's sideline before training camp, the expectations stay to lead. These losses highlight inconsistency that's costing them in a pack standings race.

1:00Now the Rockets host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Golden State has struggled without Steven Curry for the last 11 games, going four wins and seven losses. They've also got Jimmy Butler out for the season, plus other key rotation players like Moses Moody and Chris Daps Porzinga's sideline. The Warriors still run that trademark motion offense, though, with wins over powerhouses like the Phoenix Sons and Denver Nuggets lately. In this tight Western Conference, late in the year, the Rockets cannot afford to relax or risk another stunner. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. Do not just fall asleep, drift into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I, solely pillow dot com.