Convenience Big Store: Ohtani’s move opens MVP window for Astros stars

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 03: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels chat in between pitches at Minute Maid Park on July 03, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Shohei Ohtani's move opens MVP window for Astros stars

Shohei Ohtani's move to the National League is a welcome outcome for Houston fans ahead of 2024.

Breece Hall #20 and Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Texans make mediocre QB look like Pro Bowler in ugly loss to Jets

Sunday marked one of the low points of Houston's 2023 season.

Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs battles for position against Jabari Smith #10 and Jae'Sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets in the first half of a pre-season NBA game at Frost Bank Center on October 16, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.

Opportunity ahead

In the Cheap Seats, Chron sports writers answer burning questions from readers.

When will the Rockets catch a break from their tough early-season schedule?

Chron sports writer Michael Shapiro:

Houston has something of a major opportunity before a road battle against Giannis Antetokuonmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The Rockets will host Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs—losers of 16 straight—at Toyota Center Monday night, then kick off a home-and-home series against the Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies.

No win in the NBA is guaranteed, and Friday night in Memphis is the definition of a trap game. Though in what's become a trend in 2023-24, the Rockets aren't a group prone to sleep-walking through contests. Ime Udoka's arrival has improved Houston's preparation and instilled some serious in-game urgency. He's both a skilled tactician and a strong motivator, one who seems to be largely pressing all the right emotional notes early in his Houston tenure. If the Rockets drop one of the next three, it won't be due to a lack of attention or preparation.