The Houston Rockets expected to have a tougher time scoring points in the absence of Christian Wood (right ankle sprain). But it appears that the athletic big man’s absence is costing them on defense, too.
The Rockets are 0-3 since Wood’s latest injury, and their struggles have been equally pronounced on both ends of the court. While Houston’s defense is still Top 5 in net rating for the 2020-21 season as a whole, the Rockets have actually slipped to second-worst over the last two games. Veterans John Wall and PJ Tucker were quite critical of their team’s defensive performance after Tuesday’s blowout loss at New Orleans.
The bad news is that Wood remains out for Thursday’s game versus Miami. The good news is that unlike the last two games, Houston should have its full trio of veteran guards in John Wall, Eric Gordon, and Victor Oladipo, who each rested for part of this week’s back-to-back. Wall did suffer a minor ankle injury on Tuesday, but he’s listed as probable to play.
For the organization, there’s also a bit of extra incentive for the Rockets to beat the Heat. Based on a series of trades involving 2021 first-round draft picks and pick-swap rights, the Oklahoma City Thunder will get the two best draft choices between themselves, Houston, and Miami. Thus, any losses by the Heat can help to minimize Houston’s potential risk.
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Here’s when you should tune in to see Thursday’s game:
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 11
- Time: 6:30 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: TNT
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (11-13)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Victor Oladipo
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: PJ Tucker
- Center: DeMarcus Cousins
Miami Heat (10-14)
- Guard: Kendrick Nunn
- Guard: Duncan Robinson
- Forward: Jimmy Butler
- Forward: Kelly Olynyk
- Center: Bam Adebayo
The Heat have a long injury list, as well, with Avery Bradley (out, right calf), Gordon Dragic (out, left ankle), Meyers Leonard (out, left shoulder), Gabe Vincent (out, left hip flexor strain), and Maurice Harkless (questionable, left thigh) among the most significant names.
While Miami is a relative disappointment for the regular season as a whole, they do enter with three consecutive victories. Skeptics could point out that those wins have come against the Wizards and Knicks (twice), who aren’t particularly good teams. Then again, the Rockets haven’t looked good themselves since losing Wood to injury.
For the underperforming Eastern Conference champions and a Houston squad looking to end a three-game losing streak, both sides have plenty to play for in Thursday’s nationally televised matchup on TNT.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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