The Rockets and Nets started very balanced, each scoring 10 points before Brooklyn called a timeout with 7:15 to go in the first quarter. After the timeout, Houston could not find a way to gain a substantial lead. Brooklyn kept up the competition, as Houston only ended the period up by one point.

Now with faux Hegelian Dialectic! The Rockets absolutely deserved to lose this game. The Rockets absolutely should have won this game. To expand on this a bit, the Rockets looked lethargic, directionless and terrible.

While their Western Conference competitors engineered seismic deals that altered the NBA landscape — trading for Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler and De’Aaron Fox — the Houston Rockets remained at a relative standstill as Thursday’s NBA trade deadline passed.

Through all of the noise, the Houston Rockets stayed relatively quiet, making two minor moves. The first was exchanging second-round picks with the Boston Celtics, as Jaden Springer was the only player involved in the deal. He would eventually be waived, per Mike Scotto of HoopsHype.

The Houston Rockets reportedly could be key players leading up to Thursday's NBA trade deadline even if they don't land a big-name player. According to

Mired in their first three-game losing skid of the season, the Houston Rockets will try to stop the streak on the second night of a back-to-back at Barclays Center vs. the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 4.

Analyzing Thursday’s Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.