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Rockets that touch down gracefully were once a fanciful idea, but thanks to advances in engineering and technology, the practice has become routine.

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Hakeem Olajuwon was one of a host of former Houston Rockets in the first third of players unveiled by the NBA as the 75 greatest players in league history.

One day after deciding to convert Armoni Brooks' contract into a two-way deal, the Houston Rockets went even further to show their commitment to the former University of Houston Cougar.

The fifth annual Houston Sports Awards will feature the induction of three local favorites into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.

Jack Coan hit Michael Mayer for an 18-yard touchdown pass with 1:09 remaining for the third lead change in a wild fourth quarter and No. 8 Notre Dame held off Toledo 32-29.

Relativity Space is building rockets using an autonomous, 3D manufacturing robot called "Stargate."

None of the rockets hit the airport, but the attack was just the latest to target the facility where the U.S. military is racing to wrap up its biggest airlift operation ever.

There was no early word of any casualties or who fired the rockets. The White House said President Biden was briefed and operations were continuing at the airport.

There was no early word of any casualties or who fired the rockets. The White House said President Biden was briefed and operations were continuing at the airport.

Before becoming the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Jalen Green was the sixth man for Team USA in junior international competition.

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Two rockets reached Israel and one landed in Lebanon.

Two rockets reached Israel and one landed in Lebanon.

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Ashraf Ghani and others were shown praying outside of the presdiential palace compound, seemingly unworried by the sound of rockets exploding nearby.

It has been reported that the Rockets and other teams have inquired with Detroit about acquiring the number one pick in the draft to land Cade Cunningham.

Rockets landed in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which houses the U.S. Embassy, causing material damage early Thursday, Iraqi security forces said. Two Katuysha rockets fell near the national security building, and in an open courtyard inside the Green Zone. The attack which came shortly before daybreak followed two separate attacks on bases housing U.S. troops in western Iraq and across the border in Syria, where U.S-led coalition forces are based.

We've seen massive turnover among our sports teams, and the pain within the fan bases is very evident.

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June 22, 2021 marks the 59th birthday for Houston basketball legend Clyde Drexler. Number 22 first made a name for himself as part of the iconic Phi Slama Jama team at the University Houston. He eventually dominated in the NBA as well and has had his number retired at both the college and the professional level.

Houston Rockets rookie Jae’Sean Tate was named First Team All-Rookie.

There is no shortage of former Houston Rockets to root for fun the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Israel's artillery forces will strike Lebanese targets in response to rocket attacks from within Lebanon, its military said Wednesday.

The Rockets fell to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday as the season ended with a quiet but sickening thud. With franchise-shaping trades, unprecedented injury issues and a mixture of young, promising talent (nevermind a rookie season for both coach and GM), the Rockets enter the 2021 offseason after one of the most...

Kyle Kuzma’s driving layup with 6.9 seconds remaining gave the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers a 124-122 victory over the Houston Rockets and kept the defending NBA champions' slim hopes of avoiding the play-in tournament alive.

On Tuesday, Bill Worrell, 76, announced this would be his last season doing television play-by-play for the Rockets though he will do some in studio work for the network next season allowing him to complete 40 years of broadcasting for the Rockets and 50 years in Houston sports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is condemning the “anarchy” of Jewish-Arab violence in cities across the country after a day of tumultuous unrest.

Legendary Houston broadcaster Bill Worrell will be stepping aside from his daily Houston Rockets play-by-play duties after May 14.

Palestinian militants have launched dozens of rockets from Gaza and Israel unleashed new air strikes against them.

On Thursday, the Rockets announced they would have 13 players on the injured list for Friday's game against Milwaukee. Only KJ Martin, DaQuan Jeffries, Anthony Lamb and Armoni Brooks are NOT listed on that list and only Martin, a rookie, was a member of the team to start the season.

Rockets were fired at two Myanmar government air bases on Thursday, causing minor damage and no injuries, the military junta said. No group claimed responsibility for the attacks on the bases in Magway and Meiktila in central Myanmar, and the government said it is seeking those responsible. Capt. Aye Thazin Myint, a junta spokeswoman, said at a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that four 107mm rockets were fired at the air force base in Magway at 3 a.m. Thursday, with three landing in a field and one on a road.

The NBA announced on Wednesday that they have fined Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter $50,000 for violating the league’s Health and Safety Protocols.

The Houston Rockets announced on Monday evening that point guard John Wall will likely miss the remainder of the 2020-21 regular season.

Jordan Clarkson scored 22 points, Joe Ingles had 21 and the NBA-leading Utah Jazz beat the Houston Rockets 112-89 on Wednesday night.

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Christian Wood scored 25 points, Kelly Olynyk added 24 and the Houston Rockets used a strong third quarter to rally past the Orlando Magic 114-110.

Houston Rockets guard John Wall (1) drives on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Nowell (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)MINNEAPOLIS – Kevin Porter Jr. scored 25 points in his return to Houston’s lineup, John Wall had 13 points and 12 assists and the Rockets rebounded to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 129-107 on Saturday night. The Rockets came back a night later to win for the second time in four games after a 20-game losing streak. Kelly Olynyk added 16 points in his first game for Houston after coming over from Miami in the trade for Victor Oladipo. Led by their holdover star Wall, the Rockets shot 73.9% in the first quarter and scored 41 points.

Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets gets off a shot around Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 18, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Houston Rockets are trading Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat. The Rockets had acquired Oladipo earlier this season as part of the four-team deal involving James Harden heading to the Brooklyn Nets. In 20 games with the Rockets, Oladipo averaged 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. The two-time All-Star was widely expected to be traded on Thursday as he faces unrestricted free agency at season’s end, combined with the Rockets’ season struggles to date.

Graphic details from 14th lawsuit filed against Deshaun Watson The massage therapist alleges Deshaun Watson warned her to never talk about what happened. The most amazing furniture designed by local Houston artisans Check out what Houston furniture artisans are working on and take home something no one else...

Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) drives on Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 22, 2021, in Houston. But Wall had 19 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, his first triple-double since March 17, 2016. The Rockets closed out the third quarter with an 88-86 lead and opened the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run to pull away. AdThe Raptors led 28-27 at the end of the first quarter. In their losing streak, Houston led after the first quarter only three times, including on Feb. 26 when they led the Raptors 31-30.

(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON – Mired in a long losing streak, the Houston Rockets twice put the ball in John Wall's hands in the waning moments. The Rockets lost their team-record 20th straight game, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-112 Sunday when Wall missed two shots in the final 10 seconds. This one hurts.”Dort scored 23 points and Isaiah Roby had 18 for the Thunder, who led by as many as 13 points. They shot a sizzling 14 of 21 on 3s in the second quarter, however, and Oklahoma City led 66-62 at halftime. The Rockets hit a franchise-record 28 3s in a win against the Thunder on Feb. 1, just three days before their last win.

Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green keeps the ball from Houston Rockets' Danuel House Jr. during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 17, 2021, in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo via AP)(AP) – Draymond Green had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists and the Golden State Warriors handed the Houston Rockets their franchise-record 18th straight loss, 108-94 on Wednesday night. Golden State breezed past the struggling Rockets to snap a season-high four-game road losing streak. It’s the first time the Rockets have lost nine consecutive home games since they dropped 11 straight in 1983. Poole led Golden State in the second, making 15 points and hitting 4 of 6 3-point attempts.

Five beauties shine above the rest at Miss Southwest Texas... Dozens of beauty queens took to the stage at the Valdivian Events Reception Center, vying for...Dear NCAA, we demand a UH-Texas Sweet 16 tournament matchup The Cougars and Longhorns are set up perfectly for an NCAA Tournament showdown, now the...

NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)SACRAMENTO, Calif. – De’Aaron Fox had 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, and the Sacramento Kings sent the Houston Rockets to their 14th consecutive loss, 125-105 on Thursday night. Sacramento never trailed after a 15-0 run early in the second quarter. … Center Justin Patton picked up his fourth foul with 6:47 left in the second quarter. … Sacramento was called for two shot clock violations in the second quarter.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Houston Rockets say they are attempting to trade disgruntled forward P.J. At some point there was some mutual agreement with P.J., his agent, (Rockets general manager Rafael Stone) and the organization that P.J. With Tucker averaging career lows in scoring (4.4 points) and shooting percentage (36.6), the Rockets initially planned to have Tucker come off the bench in the game against Sacramento. AdWhen the game started, Tucker was not on the Rockets bench and was not seen at Golden 1 Center. “We’re going to try to figure out something that works for (Tucker) and works for us,” Silas said.

What you should do in Houston this weekend, March 12-14 We have roller skating, a film festival, street markets, and a Rockets game on the lineup this...

Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas calls a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Houston Rockets announced on Monday that they are signing forward Anthony Lamb from their NBA G League affiliate, Rio Grande Valley. Lamb was eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft following his senior season at Vermont and went undrafted. After starting the G League season with the Canton Charge, Lamb was acquired by the Vipers and appeared in six regular season games while averaging 18.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks. The move comes as the Rockets have lost 13 straight games. The team returns from the All-Star Break on Thursday with a road game in Sacramento.

HOUSTON – Throughout the month of March, the Houston Rockets and the Rockets Women’s Organization are partnering up with Reliant for the fifth annual ‘HTX Reads Book Drive,’ benefiting the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. This year Houstonians can support childhood literacy virtually by texting “BookDrive” to 91999, or visiting bushhoustonliteracy.org/bookdrive. In addition to donating money or books, Houstonians are encouraged to celebrate National Read Aloud Month by making reading with their children a daily habit and using #HTXReads when sharing photos on social media. Watch as Lauren Kelly chats with Julie Baker Finck, President, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Felicia Stone, Houston Rockets Women’s Organization, and Leanne Schneider, Director Of Community Relations at Reliant about how you can support this wonderful event.

HOUSTON – Sports teams and venues in the Houston area seem to be taking a cautious approach after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott decided to lift capacity limits and the mask mandate starting next week. According to an email sent to season ticket holders, fans will be welcomes back to the stadium in April but in limited numbers. Season ticket holders still have their tickets available and have several options to use them, change them, donate them or pause the account. For more information, season ticket holders can call 713-259-8300.

FILE - In this March 7, 2020, file photo, Houston Rockets guard James Harden stands on the court during a break in the action against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C. This seasons NBA MVP has won the award before. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta revealed the team will be retiring Harden’s jersey, stating that the basketball star will forever be a Rocket. “James Harden will always be a Rocket,” Fertitta said according to Yahoo! After eight years with the Rockets, Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets – news with which some Houstonians were not so happy.

Rockets strike Iraqi military base housing U.S. troops At least 10 missiles hit a military airbase overnight in Iraq which houses roughly 2,000 U.S.-led coalition troops. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes at a time when tensions are growing between the U.S. and Iran. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports on the attack, and retired Army major and military analyst Mike Lyons joined CBSN to discuss how the Biden administration might respond.

WorldView: Rockets hit air base in Iraq hosting U.S. troops; 3 female journalists killed in Afghanistan At least 10 rockets struck an Iraqi air base that hosts U.S., coalition and Iraqi forces. Also, three female journalists were shot dead in Afghanistan, and a Panamanian diplomat, her husband and another family member died after their car was swept away by a Colombia river. Meanwhile, Australia's attorney general is denying a rape allegation. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta joined "CBSN AM" from Johannesburg with those stories.

The loss of James Harden continues to weigh heavily on the Rockets as they face their old teammate for the first time. ^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Monday night in Cleveland was the latest example of how important one great player can be to an NBA roster. Perhaps the most overlooked casualty of Harden's departure is the impact it has had on once prolific role players. Now, James Harden plays for another team that is likely going to lay a serious beating on his former team.

J.J. Watt gets permission to wear No. 99 in Arizona J.J. Watt made some phone calls and will get to wear his No. 99 with the Cardinals. This company is looking to challenge Elon Musk in space Rocket Lab has plans to launch a bigger rocket than SpaceX's Falcon 9.

CLEVELAND – Jarrett Allen tied his career high with 26 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked four shots as the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away for a 112-96 win over Houston on Wednesday night. The loss extended the Rockets’ losing streak to nine games. Allen, who leads the NBA making 67.2% of his field goals, made 10 of 11 shots from the floor as Cleveland won for the second straight evening after dropping its previous 10 contests. They beat Atlanta 112-111 on Lamar Stevens’ dunk with 4.1 seconds left Tuesday. John Wall scored 20 points and Victor Oladipo had 17 points and six rebounds in his return from a strained right foot for Houston.

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. As the team aged around James Harden and the Rockets desperately tried to find new and creative ways to keep them afloat, the handwriting was already on the wall. The eight-game losing streak — the longest in 20 years — is just one more reminder that the Rockets focus must now be on the future. For years, the Rockets were buyers in the free agent and trade market. For the first time in a very long time, the Rockets need to think more about tomorrow than today.

Johnny Manziel opens up about chasing happiness, not football Johnny Manziel went in-depth on what went wrong in his professional football career. Rare Travis Scott figure up for raffle in Houston Houstonians can enter for a chance to win an authentic Travis Scott action figure.

He and wife Reagan are providing water bottles for those in need, after millions of Houstonians lacked clean water. This came as millions of Houstonians’ food spoiled during the power outages, and many grocery store shelves were empty. This is our fundraising campaign to benefit families without power, water, food and shelter in underserved Houston areas. We will be collaborating with @nacchelp, @astrosfoundation, @kidsmealshouston to provide food to families in need. ROBERT GRIFFIN IIIThe former Baylor quarterback and 2011 Heisman trophy winner donated 10,500 meals to the Houston food bank.

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsAs ice cold as it has been in Houston the last couple days, the Rockets recent stretch may be even colder. Deciding what to do with Oladipo, a pending free agent, may be the most important decision the Rockets make this season regardless of wins and losses. Yet, they remain just three-and-a-half games out of the eighth spot, five games out of sixth. Still, with injuries mounting and chemistry generally non existent, it won't be long before the team is forced to direct its attention to the offseason.

New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett dunks next to Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, in New York. (Wendell Cruz/Pool Photo via AP)NEW YORK (AP) – Julius Randle and rookie Immanuel Quickley each scored 22 points and the New York Knicks sent the Houston Rockets to a season-high fifth straight loss with a 121-99 victory Saturday night. “I thought the unselfishness was important and then we had a number of guys just step up and make shots,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. ... Ray Spalding scored two points in his Rockets’ debut after being called up from the Rockets’ NBA G League affiliate Friday and signed to a two-way contract. The Knicks said Robinson was evaluated by their medical staff Saturday and surgery was recommended.

A close game between the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs appeared to create tension between some fans in attendance. Videos uploaded to Twitter show a brawl between multiple people breaking out during Saturday night’s game at the Toyota Center. A video obtained and edited by KPRC 2′s sister-station KSAT shows a group of Rockets fans who were presumably seated in section 114 crossing into section 113 where the other group of fans was seated and initiating violence. The original social media video shows the Rockets fans being escorted out by security while the Spurs fans appeared to remain in the stands. The Houston Police Department said the Rockets hire off-duty officers for security inside the building.

Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets gets off a shot around Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 18, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. CHICAGO – Zach LaVine scored 33 points, and the Chicago Bulls overcame a strong effort by Victor Oladipo in his Houston debut, beating the Rockets 125-120 on Monday night. Oladipo looked good in his first game for Houston, pouring in 32 points. Bulls: The Bulls held out rookie forwards Patrick Williams (bruised right hip) and Otto Porter Jr. (strained lower back). Bulls: The Bulls play at Charlotte on Friday before the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers visit on Saturday.

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2020, file photo, Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo shoots during practice at the team's NBA basketball training facility in Indianapolis. Oladipo was rounding into form when the NBA suddenly stopped. Oladipo met with the media over Zoom, and expressed his excitement to play in Houston. I know where we’re at right now, and I know there’s a lot of room to grow, a lot of room to get better, and I just want to be part of that,” said Oladipo. “I think that that’s huge, because there’s a respect level there,” said Oladipo.

Why did Houstonians risk their lives for Bow Wow? Rapper Bow Wow is currently under fire for performing at a packed-out Houston nightclub. Rare 'super-Earth' discovered by NASA The rare "super-Earth" is orbiting one of the oldest stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

Jae'Sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets is tied up by Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs #3 and LaMarcus Aldridge #12 at AT&T Center on January 16, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio couldn’t match the intensity of the short-handed Houston Rockets for three quarters, yet a strong finish by the Spurs was enough to snap a four-game home losing streak. “We played our best defense in the fourth quarter,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. He had 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes during Houston’s 109-103 victory on Thursday. Spurs: Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon remains out, along with reserve center Drew Eubanks, due to the league’s health and safety protocols.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taormina/Pool Photo via AP)NEW YORK – James Harden will start Saturday night in his Brooklyn Nets debut against the Orlando Magic. Nets coach Steve Nash immediately put Harden into the starting lineup. Harden had been listed as questionable to play before the Nets upgraded him to available about two hours before the game. That will require another adjustment for Harden, especially because the team is practicing so infrequently in this season's condensed schedule.

Rockets owner Charlie Thomas looks up at right. HOUSTON – Charlie Thomas, the former owner of the Houston Rockets, died Friday. Thomas bought Houston’s NBA team in 1982 for about $10 million and sold it in 1993 for about $85 million. Current Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said in a statement posted on Twitter that the team is deeply saddened by Thomas’ passing. “Charlie was a great friend, business partner, and true Texan who loved his Rockets,” Fertitta said in the statement.

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsWe've had more than 24 hours to digest the deal that sent one of the all-time best Rockets to Brooklyn. The Rockets probably aren't done making moves. He will act as a leader for these young guys and play hard as always. Even with Oladipo, the Rockets want to get their young guys some experience.

Kenyon Martin Jr. #6 of the Houston Rockets drives for two over Jakob Poeltl #25 of the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on January 14, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)SAN ANTONIO – Christian Wood had 27 points and 15 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-105 on Thursday night in their first game since trading away franchise cornerstone James Harden. Spurs veteran DeMar DeRozan missed a 15-footer with 0.4 seconds left, and San Antonio fouled P.J. The teams meet again Saturday at the AT&T Center in the finale of a two-game set in San Antonio. Spurs: San Antonio is 6-3 with LaMarcus Aldridge in the lineup.

Houston megachurch pastor guilty of multimillion-dollar scam Kirbyjon Caldwell will go to prison for his role in a multi-million dollar scheme.

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. The Rockets send Harden to Brooklyn. In addition, after having their draft picks depleted by a number of moves, the Rockets will reload with four first round picks — 2022, 2024 and 2026, plus Milwaukee's pick in 2022. Most importantly in this, all draft picks and swaps are unprotected meaning they could potentially be very high in the draft, particularly in the later years. The team dealt one of the league's best players for a solid all-star in Oladipo and a couple other pieces for a ton of draft picks that come with no promises other than they exist.

Houston Rockets' James Harden controls the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Houston, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON – The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to acquire three-time scoring champion James Harden from the Houston Rockets, a deal that reunites him with Kevin Durant and gives him the move that he has sought for weeks, said a person with knowledge of the situation. Other key players: Victor Oladipo goes from Indiana to Houston, and Caris Levert goes from Brooklyn to Indiana, the person said, adding that Cleveland was also part of the massive trade. The Rockets begin a three-game road trip on Thursday night with the first of two straight games against San Antonio. The Rockets are just 3-6 so far this season and only Minnesota has a worse record in the Western Conference.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and coach Stephen Silas, right, react after a play during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taormina/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON – The Rockets are on the clock and James Harden’s time in Houston will be ending once a trade partner is solidified. NBA sources tell me that the Rockets coaches and players have had it with Harden and his attitude and are ready to move on. The #Rockets have had it with James Harden's antics. HC Stephen Silas says Harden was NOT at practice saying " It was best for the team and for James not to be there."

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Those were the words of Rockets broadcaster Calvin Murphy accidentally caught by microphones as a recent Rockets postgame show was heading to commercial. They traded and traded and traded again to appease their former MVP. Regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in now, it is incumbent upon the Rockets to get the ball rolling and get Harden moved while proceeding with extreme caution. But the Rockets don't want Kyrie Irving, the Nets other best player, or any of the modestly talented young players they have to offer.

Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood shoots over Orlando Magic forward Gary Clark, left, and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON (AP) – Christian Wood scored 22 points and tied a career high with 15 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 132-90 rout of the short-handed Orlando Magic on Friday night. Houston was up by 29 at halftime and had extended the lead to 81-43 after consecutive 3-pointers by John Wall and P.J. Harden had 15 points and 13 assists, and Tucker added 15 points. He scored 15 points on 5-for-5 3-point shooting.

In or out, the Rockets will deal with the fallout of James Harden's demands for a while and it will slow the team's progress in the mean time. ^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. House and Wood have relatively minor injures — Wood was a literal game-time scratch — and McLemore is still re-acclimating after returning from COVID isolation. They are expected to be rotation-level contributors in a season where players will be in and out of the line up. Consistency, something needed by athletes, but particularly by young players, will be in short supply.

Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 6, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS – Malcolm Brogdon scored a career-high 35 points and made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:22 to go, leading the Indiana Pacers past the Houston Rockets 114-107 on Wednesday night. Pacers: Holiday's first 3-pointer of the game late in the first quarter was his 133rd off the bench for Indiana. ... Doug McDermott left in the second half with a sprained left ankle and did not return.

Houston Rockets guard John Wall passes the ball around Sacramento Kings' Harrison Barnes during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)HOUSTON – John Wall had 22 points and nine assists in his first game since 2018, James Harden had a big finish to score 33 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 122-119 on Thursday night. Late in the fourth, Wall found James Harden in transition for a deep 3-pointer that gave Houston a one-point lead. Rockets: Houston was hosting its first regular- season home game since March 10, before COVID-19 derailed last season. ... KJ Martin and Ben McLemore remain away from the team and are self-isolating per COVID-19 protocols.

It started out in such typical fashion, as I listened to Bill O’Brien utter those words at his morning-after press conference at NRG Stadium. Just weeks after that disastrous loss in Kansas City, Cal McNair handed the keys to franchise to Bill O’Brien as he was officially promoted to general manager. The questions on Jack Easterby started heating up, as every word Bill O’Brien said during those virtual meetings was dissected. As much as Astros fans rolled their eyes at his actions, many MLB players and fans openly rejoiced, looking at it as revenge. November 11, 2020: Texans fire Amy PalcicShe was the first woman in the NFL to serve as the head of public relations for a team.

The strange Houston monolith has disappeared After briefly appearing on in the Heights, the nine-foot obelisk has vanished into thin air. Texas fires Tom Herman after 4 seasons, hires Tide OC Sarkisian Texas fired football coach Tom Herman on Saturday after four seasons of failing to win a Big...

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)DENVER – Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds for the 42nd triple-double of his career, and the Denver Nuggets beat the short-handed Houston Rockets 124-111 on Monday night for their first win of the season. Houston dressed nine players against the Nuggets following a two-point overtime loss at Portland in the season opener Saturday. Nuggets: Complete a back-to-back set with their first road game Tuesday night at Sacramento, which handed Denver a 124-122 overtime loss in Wednesday’s season opener.

John Cornyn's nightmare brisket will haunt me forever I don't care if it's the "best [he's] ever had." This is not what your Christmas Eve brisket...Texas fires Tom Herman after 4 seasons, hires Tide OC Sarkisian Texas fired football coach Tom Herman on Saturday after four seasons of failing to win a Big...5 Houston restaurants we're excited to welcome in 2021 Goodbye, 2020, we're ready to ring in 2021 and all the great food it brings to Houston.

Here’s what’s happening this week in the Houston-area sports scene. Rockets season continuesThe new Rockets season is underway after the team opened in Portland on Saturday and suffered a 2-point loss in overtime. The Texans will get a chance to play spoiler when they host the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. The Titans hit the final week needing a win as they battle for the AFC South crown with the Colts. High school football playoffsThe countdown to a state championship continues this week across Texas.

Texas fires Tom Herman after 4 seasons, hires Tide OC Sarkisian Texas fired football coach Tom Herman on Saturday after four seasons of failing to win a Big...5 Houston restaurants we're excited to welcome in 2021 Goodbye, 2020, we're ready to ring in 2021 and all the great food it brings to Houston.

(AP Photo/Steve Dykes)PORTLAND, Ore. – CJ McCollum scored 44 points, including a 3-pointer with 6.3 seconds left that gave the Portland Trail Blazers a 128-126 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Lillard’s layup pushed the Blazers ahead 125-123 with 30 seconds left in overtime, but Harden made a 3 to push the Rockets ahead with 15.3 seconds left. Then with 6.3 seconds left, the ball found McCollum again and the Blazers’ guard hit another long range shot putting Portland ahead 128-126. After Wood cut the Blazers lead to 123-120 with a layup, Harden tied the game again at 123 with 38.6 seconds left. Harden responded with a basket of his own to tie it again at 113 with 38.9 seconds left.

Texas fires football coach Tom Herman after 4 seasons AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas fired football coach Tom Herman on Saturday after four seasons of...5 Houston restaurants we're excited to welcome in 2021 Goodbye, 2020, we're ready to ring in 2021 and all the great food it brings to Houston.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)NEW YORK – James Harden will be in quarantine until Friday, meaning the Houston Rockets star could be eligible to play Saturday when his team is to finally open its season in Portland. The Rockets were scheduled to play Wednesday against Oklahoma City, a game postponed for a variety of coronavirus issues. Among them was Harden declared unavailable to play after the NBA determined he violated the league's health and safety protocols. Under NBA rules, a team needs eight healthy players to play, and the Rockets were one short Wednesday. The league was still reviewing to see if any other quarantine decisions were needed for other Rockets players.

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Houston Rockets' James Harden controls the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Houston, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON – The NBA has postponed the Houston Rockets game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to health and safety concerns, according to a release. “Three Houston Rockets players have returned tests that were either positive or inconclusive for coronavirus under the NBA’s testing program. Following the contract tracing protocols, four other players are quarantined at this time,” the NBA stated in a press release. According to the NBA, all other Rockets players were tested again Wednesday, and all returned negative results.

This seasons NBA MVP has won the award before. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)HOUSTON – James Harden was fined $50,000 Wednesday night for violating a COVID-19 protocol, according to the NBA. On Wednesday morning, ESPN first reported the NBA was investigating social media videos that place Harden at a party Monday night in Houston, where Harden was pictured maskless. According to ESPN, if the NBA can verify the pictures of Harden are indeed from Monday’s party, the Rockets star could miss the game due to the league’s COVID-19 protocol rules. Harden recently missed the first few days of Rockets training camp, while partying with rapper Lil Baby in both Atlanta and Las Vegas.

FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2017, file photo, Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Stephen Silas argues a call during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)HOUSTON – It took 20 years in his journey and Wednesday night Stephen Silas finally gets to enjoy his debut as an NBA Head Coach when he leads the Rockets against the Mavericks at Toyota Center to tip off the new season. The Rockets have had a good preseason but one filled with drama as the James Harden storyline plays out. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT STEPHEN SILAS? His stamp was all over last season’s Dallas Mavericks team that were the best offensive team in the NBA.

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsDespite the season ending in the fall, it feels like a long time since the Rockets were on the floor for meaningful games. This year, outside the bubble and with a slightly shortened season, you would think stability would be the key to success. For the Rockets, much will be about who will still be on the team by the time this season is over. Three players — John Wall, Demarcus Cousins and David Nwaba — are all recovering from achilles injuries that sidelined them last season.

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Here’s what’s happening this week in the Houston area sports scene. Rockets set to tip off new seasonThe Rockets preseason is now complete wrapping up four games against the Bulls and Spurs. Texans set to return homeThe Texans fell to 4-10 on the season with the loss Sunday at Indianapolis 27-20. Houston returns home for their final two games this Sunday against the Bengals and Jan. 3 at NRG against the Titans. Expect games on Wednesday and Saturday throughout Houston and surrounding areas.