Nearly three weeks ago, the Rockets lost to the division rival Mavericks in Houston, despite having James Harden and a relatively healthy roster. Now, they’ll somehow try to turn the tables in Dallas, even with Harden since traded and a roster that’s currently decimated by injuries.
In John Wall (left knee soreness), Christian Wood (right ankle sprain), and Danuel House Jr. (self-isolation), the Rockets (5-9) have three usual starters who are all expected to miss Saturday’s return visit to north Texas. For Wall and Wood, Tuesday is their estimated return date.
Nonetheless, after a thrilling late victory on Friday night in Detroit, the Rockets (5-9) enter with at least some momentum. The question is how many bodies will be available to Houston coach Stephen Silas on the second night of a back-to-back in two different cities, since Friday’s rotation featured several veterans (DeMarcus Cousins, Victor Oladipo, Eric Gordon) who are coming off seasons that were plagued by injuries.
In pregame comments from Detroit, Silas didn’t rule any of those veterans in or out, saying his team would “worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.” Final word on what players are active should come just before Saturday’s late tipoff from American Airlines Center.
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Here’s when you should tune in to see Saturday’s game. Projected starters are from NBA.com’s game notes and are subject to late changes, with it being night two of a split back-to-back for both teams.
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 23
- Time: 8:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (5-9)
- Guard: Victor Oladipo
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: PJ Tucker
- Center: DeMarcus Cousins
Dallas Mavericks (8-7)
- Guard: Luka Doncic
- Guard: Jalen Brunson
- Forward: Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Forward: Josh Green
- Center: Kristaps Porzingis
Fortunately for Houston, the Mavs (8-7) also played on Friday night, so both teams will be short on rest. But Dallas has a much healthier roster and showed it with an impressive 122-117 win (box score) in San Antonio, led by 36 points from superstar guard Luka Doncic.
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For the Rockets, Gordon enters as the team’s hottest player, having scored 20 or more points in three consecutive games. With Wall sidelined, Gordon is starting in the backcourt next to Oladipo.
Even if Cousins can play, Silas suggested earlier this week that Houston might play a smaller starting lineup against Kristaps Porzingis and the sweet-shooting Mavericks. That could mean an undersized frontcourt of Tucker and Tate, with perhaps David Nwaba at small forward.
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