How Astros could strategically pivot as bullpen problems continue

BURNING QUESTIONS

How Astros could strategically pivot as bullpen problems continue
It's getting hard to trust Ryan Pressly in high-leverage situations. Composite Getty Image.

The Astros took 2 out of 3 from the Angels over the weekend, with the bullpen once again imploding and costing the 'Stros the Sunday game.

2 burning questions

Is it time for the Astros to move Ryan Pressly out of the setup role, and replace him with Bryan Abreu?

Could Pressly be tipping his pitches? LZ thinks it's a possibility.

Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein share their thoughts.

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Rockets defeat the Magic, 116-108. Photo by David Berding/Getty Images.

Jalen Green scored 26 points, Alperen Sengun had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to a season-best eight games, beating the Orlando Magic 116-108 on Wednesday night.

Fred VanVleet added 19 points for the Rockets, who maintained their second-place position in the Western Conference, ahead of — among others — the surging Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.

Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 31 points. Franz Wagner added 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Magic, and reserve Goga Bitadze had 19 points and eight rebounds.

Takeaways

Rockets: Their streak included a six-game homestand. This was only their second road win since Jan. 28.

Magic: After nine losses in 13 games and six straight defeats at home, the Magic stand eighth in the East. Banchero has averaged 33 points over the last four games.

Key moment

Green and VanVleet made 3-pointers to open and close a 12-0 run late in the third quarter that left the Rockets with an 80-65 lead.

Key stat

The poorest free-throw shooting team in the NBA, the Rockets made 29 of 32 (90.6%) from the foul line.

Up next

Rockets: At Miami on Friday.

Magic: At Washington on Friday.

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