For whatever reason, Eastern Conference opponents have been a problem for the Rockets in the NBA’s 2023-24 regular season. Houston enters Saturday with a 15-11 (.577) record against Western Conference teams, but with only a 6-12 (.333) mark against East foes.
The good news for the Rockets (21-23) is their most dominant East win came Friday night in Charlotte, and they immediately have another road opportunity versus a lesser team when they face the struggling Brooklyn Nets (17-27) on Saturday at Barclays Center.
The Nets have lost 12 of their last 14 games and 17 of 21, overall. Furthermore, if Houston needs any extra incentive, a victory over Brooklyn could boost its 2024 NBA draft outlook.
The Rockets own Brooklyn’s first-round draft choice this year as part of the blockbuster James Harden trade from January 2021, and the Nets are currently just outside the East’s play-in field. Should that hold, Houston could receive a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
The Rockets beat the Nets in Houston on Jan. 3, but the rematch could be tougher on night two of a road back-to-back. Houston comes in with good vibes after Friday’s win in Charlotte, where third-year guard Jalen Green (36 points, 9 rebounds) and rookie Cam Whitmore (24 points, 11 rebounds) each had season-highs.
Even with that win, the Rockets are just 5-15 on the road this season.