Rockets vs Wizards: Slowing Down Washington

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NBA News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. The Houston Rockets wrapped up February with a 1-15-105 loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday, but they are still 4-2 cents. The All-Star break. Tonight they head to Washington to take on the Wizards, who sit at 16 wins and 43 losses in a rebuilding year. The Wizards have dropped their last four games and will miss several key players, including Alex R, which should give Houston an edge. This young squad is chasing a high pick in the 2026 draft, mixing flashes of promise with plenty of struggles. Fans are watching how the pace plays out, since the Wizards rank 8th in pushing the tempo, and love fast breaks. The Rockets, though, prefer a slower half-core game, sitting 28th in pace after adding Kevin Durant last summer. To avoid turnovers and runs by Washington, Houston must lock down perimeter guys like Tray Johnson and Balal Kula-Bali. Meanwhile, the Wizards have heated up inside lately,

1:02tying for 6th and field goals over their last six games. With Steven Adams and Jabari Smith Jr. sidelined by ankle issues, the Rockets lean on Durant, Alprins and Guan, and Clint Cappella in the paint, while a men Thompson and Tari-Eason handle top scores. It sets up for a winnable night if they dictate the flow. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com.