Rockets vs. Cavaliers Preview: Getting Back To A Sense Of Promise

After a two-game sweep by the Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets will attempt to capture their first win amid their five-game road trip Sunday against the Cavaliers.

Coach Stephen Silas knew the Houston Rockets (18-56) upcoming road trip was going to be a tough challenge. But Silas felt confident in his team's ability to compete and steal a few wins, given how well his team had played during their six-game homestand.

But following a two-game sweep by the Memphis Grizzlies, the Rockets are trying to recapture their momentum ahead of Sunday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers (47-28), which will mark their third game of the road trip.

"This past game was one of the games that just got away from us," Tari Eason said. "We just need to tighten things up to get back to where we were. Road trips are hard, and we have to try and finish out strong."

The third stop on Houston's road trip will not be an easy stay. The Cavaliers are gearing up for the post-season as a dark-horse contender to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy. 

The Cavaliers handed the Rockets one of their worse losses of the season on Jan. 26. 

Darius Garland and Evan Mobley scored a combined 47 points in the Rockets' 113-95 loss to the Cavaliers inside the Toyota Center. Garland led the way with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting and nine assists, while Mobley added 21 points (6-of-17 FG, 9-of-10 FT) and 10 rebounds.

Rockets vs. Cavaliers Broadcast Information:

• Date: Sunday, March 26
• Time: 5:00 p.m.
• TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
• Radio: 790 AM
• Live Stream: League Pass

Rockets Injury Report:

• Jae'Sean Tate (left knee soreness) OUT

Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report:

• Raul Neto (left hamstring strain) QUESTIONABLE

Three things to watch:

Kevin Porter Jr.'s first return to Cleveland:

Kevin Porter Jr. has been with the Rockets since January 2021. But due to several injuries, Porter never had a chance to play in Cleveland — until today. Sunday will mark Porter's first game in Cleveland since his controversial jettison.

He has grown on and off the court since joining the Rockets, and his first game back inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will be a testament to the trials and tribulations he has overcome. 

Jalen Green vs. Evan Mobley:

As draftmates of the 2021 NBA Draft, Jalen Green (no. 2 overall) and Evan Mobley (no. 3 overall) will headline the head-to-head battle. Mobley got the best of Green during the first match of their careers in February 2022.

Mobley finished the game with 29 points and 12 rebounds, but Green lifted the Rockets to a 115-104 victory last season with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Trying to score against a top-notch defensive team:

It has been difficult at times for the Rockets to generate points. They are coming into Cleveland averaging 110.6 points, 29th in the league. But against the Cavaliers, the Rockets' offense could run into more problems, given that Cleveland has arguably been the best defensive team all year.

While holding their opponents to a league-best 106.7 points, the Cavaliers have registered a 109.8 defensive net rating.

The Rockets must also improve their ball security when facing the Cavaliers. Houston has averaged a league-worst 16.5 turnovers, while Cleveland has recorded 15.8 points off turnovers.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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