How the Houston Rockets Can Avoid Another Letdown Against the Hornets

The Houston Rockets have been one of the NBA’s most exciting young teams this season, but their inconsistency has created its share of headaches. As Houston prepares for another matchup with the Charlotte Hornets, the team is determined to avoid a repeat of its earlier stumble. The Rockets dropped their last meeting with Charlotte, a game that exposed defensive lapses and stalled late-game execution—issues Houston must fix to keep pace in the Western Conference race.

The Rockets return home to Houston for this one, giving them a much-needed lift. The Toyota Center crowd has played a huge role in fueling the team’s best stretches this season. But fan energy can only do so much—Houston’s adjustments will decide whether this becomes a statement win or another frustrating setback.

What Houston Must Fix

The Rockets’ defensive identity has carried them through tough moments, yet that identity cracked the last time these teams met. Charlotte found success by forcing switches and attacking mismatches, something Houston’s perimeter defenders must anticipate this time around. Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet will need to contain dribble penetration, while Alperen Şengün anchors the back line with more discipline than he showed in the first meeting.

Offensively, the Rockets have to regain their pace. Too often in the previous loss, possessions slowed to isolation-heavy sets, allowing Charlotte’s defense to settle. When Houston plays with tempo—pushing off rebounds, moving the ball, cutting with purpose—they look like a playoff-caliber squad. When they don’t, scoring dries up fast.

Why It Matters

With the Western Conference tightening and every win holding weight, Houston cannot afford unnecessary stumbles against teams below them in the standings. Games like this often determine postseason position. For a young Rockets core still learning how to win consistently, avoiding back-to-back losses to a struggling Hornets team is part of building championship habits.

This matchup also gives Houston a chance to reinforce trust in its system. Head coach Ime Udoka has emphasized discipline and energy on both ends of the floor, and this game will show whether the Rockets can respond after a disappointing performance.

What’s Next

If Houston executes its defensive game plan and maintains offensive flow, they should leave with a much-needed victory and renewed confidence. A loss, however, would raise questions about the team’s readiness for the battles ahead.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.