The Rockets and Nets started very balanced, each scoring 10 points before Brooklyn called a timeout with 7:15 to go in the first quarter. After the timeout, Houston could not find a way to gain a substantial lead. Brooklyn kept up the competition, as Houston only ended the period up by one point.

Now with faux Hegelian Dialectic! The Rockets absolutely deserved to lose this game. The Rockets absolutely should have won this game. To expand on this a bit, the Rockets looked lethargic, directionless and terrible.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) AP AP

The Rockets are 0-3 without Alperen Şengün but hope to avoid a season sweep against the Nets, who beat them by 12 points at Toyota Center over the weekend.

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the numbers on Amen Thompson to prove why the Houston Rockets will make him untouchable at the NBA trade deadline. The shorthanded Warriors lost to the Jazz shortly after learning of the Jimmy Butler trade.