The Houston Rockets are in the midst of an extremely tough stretch in their shortened 2011-12 NBA team schedule. On Tuesday night, they will hit the West Coast as they visit the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Rockets are still searching for their first road win of the season, as they're 0-2 in away games to offset their perfect 2-0 at home. The Lakers, meanwhile, hold a 3-3 record and are 3-1 at home, including having won their last three at the Staples Center.
Despite their strong record, the Lakers have seen superstar Kobe Bryant struggling as of late, averaging 16.5 points over his last two games and shooting just 26.1 from the floor. That's unusual for someone who is known for taking the ball as much as Bryant.
The key to this game may be how the Rockets perform on defense. Although they've allowed an average of 84.5 points in their two home games, their road losses have seen them allowing an average of 108.5 points. That's a huge disparity, one which they'll need to address beginning Tuesday night.
Tuesday's game is prepared to tip off at 9:30 PM ET from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The game will be televised on NBA TV and will air locally on FSN-Houston. You can listen to the broadcast on 610 AM and 850 AM.
For all news and information regarding the Houston Rockets, please visit The Dream Shake. For updates and conversation on the Los Angeles Lakers, head on over to Silver Screen and Roll, or check out SB Nation Los Angeles.