The Houston Rockets are off to a fantastic start in 2025-26. However, as good as that start has been, they are already in “must-win” territory in one particular aspect. The Rockets are 0-1 so far in the NBA Cup. They play the Portland Trail Blazers for their second game in the event on Friday night. Will the Rockets avoid virtually guaranteed elimination by falling to 0-2?
Rockets Face Must-Win NBA Cup Bout
The Rockets’ NBA Cup
The Emirates NBA Cup, originally conceived as the mid-season tournament, is in its third year. Early group games are scattered amid the regular scheduling, taking place on Fridays.
Last season, the NBA Cup was something of a coming-out party for the Rockets. They finally ended their fifteen-game losing streak against the Warriors in the quarterfinals. This year, the Rockets have bigger goals in mind than a run at the NBA Cup. Still, an early exit would be something of an ill omen, even if it would align with some people’s predictions.
The Rockets are in the Western Conference’s Group C. The competition in the group is fierce. The other members are the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers. Only one team per group is guaranteed to progress to later rounds. The Blazers may seem like the runt of the litter, but it’s the Rockets and the Warriors that remain winless.
The Rockets lost their first NBA Cup game of 2025-26 to Victor Wembanyama‘s 8-3 Spurs. That’s a loss that will still sit with them, especially star center Alperen Sengun. Not that Sengun was awful in that game, but it’s hard to believe he doesn’t take matchups with the league’s next great center at least a little personally.
Friday Night’s Matchup
In facing the Blazers on Friday, the Rockets have a good chance to secure their first NBA Cup win. However, the Blazers are not pushovers by any means. On the season, with head coach Chauncy Billups under Federal indictment, Portland is 6-5 under interim head coach Tiago Splitter. Jrue Holiday is having a bounce-back year after dealing with injuries in Boston. He’s putting up 17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. That’s all with the veteran leadership that comes from being an NBA champion, renowned two-way player, and vaunted professional.
Among the Blazers’ youth movement, Deni Avdija is an early favorite for the Most Improved Player award. He’s averaging 26.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. That’s with solidly efficient all-around shooting splits of 48.9% from the field, 38.2% from three, and 85.4% from the free-throw line. The Blazers have size in seven-foot-two Donovan Clingan and explosive scoring potential in the 2024-25 dunk of the year winner, Shaedon Sharpe.
Nevertheless, the Rockets have a potent mix of youth and experience of their own. Kevin Durant is fitting in seamlessly as expected. Moreover, the Rockets are seeing leaps all across the roster. Sengun is taking the point center concept to new extremes. Amen Thompson is gaining invaluable playmaking reps of his own. Reed Sheppard is adding historic milestones to his growing resume as a bona fide NBA marksman.
The Last Word
The Rockets are and should be firm favorites in the matchup. However, that can be dangerous in its own right. This Blazers team has already caught out a few opponents who were expecting an easy night. Officially, the Rockets may approach the game with the same intensity they’d have for any other. Indeed, the NBA Cup schedule is such an enigma to most of the NBA community that that might not be so far from the truth. Luckily for Houston fans, the Rockets have not been short of intensity in 2025-26. The Rockets play like every trip down the floor is a must-win possession. NBA Cup or no, it’s must-watch basketball, and with the Blazers out from under Billups’ shadow, all bets are definitely off.
Featured Image: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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