Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science – Here we go again

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

So, Houston Rockets are a dumb college student who keeps failing the same entry-level exam over and over again – that exam is the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets, who are undeniably awful, are now 2-0 against the Rockets this season – begging the question… what the hell?!

Every time we think something is fixed, the Nets with Joe Johnson’s terrible contract and Jarrett Jack’s painful inefficiency come around to urinate on Houston’s hopes of normalcy. What is normal? I don’t even know anymore.

This is supposed to be the easy stretch for Houston right now, before things kick up Christmas Day. Do the Nets just have the Rockets number? Or is it something more? We’ll find out tonight with a shot against the Washington Wizards.

Houston Rockets news and notes from around the web

First, let’s address the most pressing issue: Trevor Ariza’s health. A-three-za took a pretty hard stumble Tuesday night and did not return afterwords. X-Rays came back negative, but with a game tonight I’d be shocked if Ariza played at all. The three-and-D specialist is normally a very durable player, so this would be a big blow in the short run.

Rockets report: Ariza doubtful after hard fall [Houston Chronicle – Jonathan Feigan]

"Rockets forward left Tuesday’s game with a bruised lower back after taking a hard fall in the first quarter. X-rays were negative. But Ariza, who has started 104 consecutive games since returning to the Rockets last season, will have little time to recuperate with the Rockets playing the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Trevor Ariza"

D-League update! K.J. McDaniels and Montrezl Harrell were recently sent down to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and their progress has been going well. Both are exciting prospects: McDaniels is a bouncy, lengthy wing who flies around the gym. Harrell is a high energy forward who could guard all five positions, but both still need to develop an offensive game.

Notebook: Rockets assignees work to be consistent while with Vipers [The Monitor – Dennis Silva]

"Rosas said McDaniels needs to improve his shooting and be able to guard multiple positions. The 6-foot-6, 205-pounder had his best shooting game as a Viper during Sunday’s win against Idaho, hitting 7 of 10 shots and 3 of 5 3s after shooting 41.7 percent, 16 percent from 3, in the three previous games."

More trade rumors! Or, the same trade rumors – but this time we have some confirmation. The Terrence Jones for Markieff Morris deal is gaining more and more traction, although I’m not sure where the excitement is. Morris and Jones are very similar with a few small exceptions. Morris is slightly bigger and has been more healthy over the past two seasons, but Jones has the better offense numbers. But a change of scenery might do some good for both.

Houston Rockets Rumors: Terrence Jones for Markieff Morris [Space City Scoop – Andre Cantalogo]

"Whichever deal is constructed, the Rockets most definitely would have to include 23 year-old Terrence Jones. A lot of teams are currently gauging interest in the talented player and analysts are weighing in on TJ as one of the most attractive deals to be made."

Oh, and a happy belated birthday to Dwight Howard. Hard to believe he’s 30 years old, knowing the NBA miles he’s put on. Have a health Dwight!

Join us in wishing @DwightHoward a Happy Birthday! pic.twitter.com/RyCk9qKmdC

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 8, 2015

Next: Houston Rockets Three Game Win Streak Ends in Brooklyn

Put the Nets behind you! It stings, I know. The Wizards have been faltering this year, so it presents a spot to bounce-back for Houston. Hopefully, we can only presume.