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5 Must-Win Games For Houston Rockets In March

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The Houston Rockets made the playoffs last season, but they decided to follow that performance up by being in a tight battle just to make the playoffs this year. Dwight Howard and James Harden haven’t played as well as last season and there have been too many stories outside of basketball that surround the team. With a lot riding on this year’s results, here are five must-win games for the Rockets in the month of March.

5. Mar. 9 at Philadelphia 76ers

Mar. 9 at Philadelphia 76ers Getty Images
This battle with the Philadelphia 76ers is a must-win game, because the Rockets have no reason to lose to the Sixers. In a time period where every game counts, the Rockets can’t afford to lose easy games like this one.

This battle with the Philadelphia 76ers is a must-win game, because the Rockets have no reason to lose to the Sixers. In a time period where every game counts, the Rockets can’t afford to lose easy games like this one.

4. Mar. 14 at Memphis Grizzlies

Mar. 14 at Memphis Grizzlies Getty Images
The Memphis Grizzlies are a divisional opponent and division records could be important at the end of the season. The Grizzlies have lost Marc Gasol for the season which means Howard should have a big night.

The Memphis Grizzlies are a divisional opponent and division records could be important at the end of the season. The Grizzlies have lost Marc Gasol for the season which means Howard should have a big night.

3. Mar. 29 at Cleveland Cavaliers

Mar. 29 at Cleveland Cavaliers Getty Images
The March 29 game doesn’t have any implications in the Western Conference, but this is a must-win game. The Rockets need to have a couple of statement wins near the end of the season in order to get and keep momentum and confidence.

The March 29 game doesn’t have any implications in the Western Conference, but this is a must-win game. The Rockets need to have a couple of statement wins near the end of the season in order to get and keep momentum and confidence.

2. Mar. 2 vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Mar. 2 vs. New Orleans Pelicans Getty Images
Although the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t as bad as the 76ers, this should still be a solid win for the Rockets. Harden should punish the Pelicans, especially with their injury-filled guard rotation.

Although the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t as bad as the 76ers, this should still be a solid win for the Rockets. Harden should punish the Pelicans, especially with their injury-filled guard rotation.

1. Mar. 23 vs. Utah Jazz

Mar. 23 vs. Utah Jazz Getty Images
The Rockets need to beat the Utah Jazz just in case the playoff race ends up being decided by a tiebreaker. Last season, the Pelicans won the tiebreaker with the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a game won by an Anthony Davis buzzer-beater.

The Rockets need to beat the Utah Jazz just in case the playoff race ends up being decided by a tiebreaker. Last season, the Pelicans won the tiebreaker with the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a game won by an Anthony Davis buzzer-beater.

Frank Ewere is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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