How red-hot Rockets can keep momentum rolling against lowly Jazz
ROCKETS-JAZZ PREVIEW
27 March
The Jazz host the Rockets on Thursday night. Photo by David Berding/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets, riding a three-game road winning streak, head to Salt Lake City on Thursday night to take on the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. EDT.
Team outlook
Houston (47-26) sits second in the Western Conference and has been dominant in recent weeks, winning nine of its last 10 games. The Rockets have thrived in blowout situations, going 21-9 in games decided by 10 or more points.
Utah (16-57) has endured a rough season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Jazz have lost nine of their last 10 and are just 7-39 against conference opponents. Despite their struggles, they remain a strong team on the offensive glass, ranking sixth in the West with 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, led by Walker Kessler’s 4.6 per contest.
Key matchups
Kessler has been a bright spot for the Jazz, averaging 11.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Collin Sexton has also stepped up recently, averaging 14.1 points over the last 10 games.
For Houston, Alperen Sengun continues to shine with averages of 19 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Dillon Brooks has also been on a tear, hitting 3.1 three-pointers per game in his last 10 contests.
By the numbers
- The Jazz average 113.6 points per game but give up 120.1, a troubling disparity.
- Houston allows just 108.8 points per game in its last 10 contests, a major reason for its recent dominance.
- Utah’s 13.9 made three-pointers per game could be a factor against a Rockets defense that allows 12.1 per contest.
Injury report
The Jazz will be without several key players, including Lauri Markkanen (illness), John Collins (ankle), Taylor Hendricks (fibula), and Jordan Clarkson (foot).
The Rockets list Amen Thompson as day-to-day (ankle), while Reed Sheppard is out with a thumb injury.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Rockets will look to keep rolling and take care of business against a short-handed Jazz squad.
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Rumors have been swirling in recent days about the possible reunion between the Astros and Carlos Correa. Correa made the trade sound like an unlikely possibility on Wednesday, but now, it appears it's happening.
According multiple sources, including MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, the Astros are trading for Correa.
Source: The Astros are have agreed to a deal to reacquire Carlos Correa in a trade with the Twins.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 31, 2025
With third baseman Isaac Paredes likely unavailable until next season, this move makes a lot of sense for a team trying to win a World Series this season.
Correa has already agreed to play third base, with Jeremy Pena remaining at shortstop. Carlos is guaranteed $96 million through the next three seasons.
Correa is slashing .267/.319/.386 this season, not exactly the numbers we expect from Correa. But he was terrific in 2024, so hopefully a change of scenery sparks more production.
However, a deeper look at the numbers shows Correa has been much better as of late. He's slashing .308/.373/.421 with 2 homers and 9 RBIs over his last 30 games.
What did the Astros give up?
Details of the trade are finally being released. The Twins are paying $33 million of Correa's remaining $103.42 million contract.
The Minnesota Twins are paying a whopping $33 million of Carlos Correa's remaining $103.42 contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2025
The Twins will receive LHP prospect Matt Mikulski, per Bob Nightengale.
