The Houston Rockets are just over two weeks from the trade deadline and they are mulling over options to acquire some pieces to help the puzzle feel more comple

Specifically, Detroit's ability to attack the basket with ease gave the Rockets a wake-up call that their rim-protection needs to be touched up prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Showcasing this glaring weakness, the Pistons' Jalen Duren was able to take it to the Rockets' star center Alperen Şengün on both ends of the floor.

The Blazers (13-28) lost their fifth consecutive game and fell to 0-4 on their five-game home stand. The Rockets (28-13) remain second in the Western Conference. The Rockets claimed the season series 2-1. In late November, the Blazers lost 116-88 at the Rockets, then won 104-98 the following night.

In the rubber match of a three-game road trip, Houston visits Portland on Saturday. Led by Anfernee Simons, the Blazers won at Houston in November.

The Houston Rockets (27-13) and Portland Trail Blazers (13-27) hope to make it 2-1 in their season series on Saturday night ( 10 ET, League Pass) in Portland. The Rockets had their five-game win streak snapped on Thursday, and the Blazers will try to end a four-game losing streak of their own.

Portland will try to end its four-game slide when the Portland Trail Blazers take on Houston. The teams meet Saturday for the first time this season.

It’s NBA trade season, and there’s likely to be smoke, fire and misdirection, so as always, take rumors with a grain of salt, but according to a recent report, the Rockets have been chatting with the Portland Trail Blazers about a potential deal centered around big man Robert Williams.