In an apparent mismatch, MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic takes his Denver Nuggets to Houston on Friday night to face off with John Wall, Christian Wood, and the rest of the rebuilding Rockets.
The Rockets enter the matchup at Toyota Center with just one win in their last 10 games, whereas the Nuggets have won nine times in their last 11 outings. Denver is currently in the No. 4 spot of the Western Conference standings and jostling for playoff positioning, whereas the Rockets have effectively been eliminated already, for all practical purposes.
The Nuggets are reeling after the season-ending loss of Jamal Murray (torn left ACL) earlier this week, but that may not be an issue versus the struggling Rockets. As for Jokic, he’s likely to be initially guarded by Kelly Olynyk, who offers more strength than Wood in the post.
However, the Rockets will try to take advantage of Jokic on the other end — either via the 3-point shooting of Olynyk, or with Wood using his superior speed and athleticism in pick-and-roll scenarios.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Friday’s game:
- Date: Friday, April 16
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (14-41)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Kelly Olynyk
- Center: Christian Wood
Denver Nuggets (35-20)
- Guard: Monte Morris
- Guard: Will Barton
- Forward: Michael Porter Jr.
- Forward: Aaron Gordon
- Center: Nikola Jokic
Houston’s injury report is extensive, as has often been the case during an injury ravaged 2020-21 season. Sterling Brown (left knee), DJ Augustin (left ankle), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), David Nwaba (right wrist), Dante Exum (right calf) and Eric Gordon (right groin) are out. Denver’s report is much more skim, by comparison, with only Murray listed.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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