The young and rebuilding Houston Rockets are coming off consecutive losses to two of the Western Conference’s top four teams by record (Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers), and the schedule doesn’t get any easier with Saturday’s visit to Denver — another top-four squad.
The Nuggets (38-21) routed the Rockets (15-45) just eight days ago in Houston. In that game, All-Star center Nikola Jokic bolstered his MVP case by recording 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists in just 27 minutes played. On Saturday, he’ll try to repeat the feat at high altitude.
Both teams could be weary and jetlagged in Saturday’s rematch, since they’re each on a back-to-back in two different time zones. Denver played at Golden State late Friday, while the Rockets hosted the Clippers. Houston will likely be without veteran floor general John Wall, since he played Friday and typically rests one game in back-to-back scenarios.
In addition, Christian Wood expressed skepticism after Friday’s loss regarding his potential availability in Denver. Wood has dealt with nagging ankle and leg injuries throughout the 2020-21 season.
Christian Wood said he does not think he can play tomorrow in Denver. "Very frustrating," he said. https://t.co/lbH4AWLqUx
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 24, 2021
Here’s when you should tune in to see Saturday’s game:
- Date: Saturday, April 24
- Time: 9 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (15-45)
- Guard: Armoni Brooks
- Guard: Danuel House Jr.
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Center: Kelly Olynyk
Denver Nuggets (39-20)
- Guard: Facundo Campazzo
- Guard: PJ Dozier
- Forward: Michael Porter Jr.
- Forward: Aaron Gordon
- Center: Nikola Jokic
Since both teams played Friday night, neither team is required to issue an official injury report until midday Saturday. However, Houston’s should be quite long, as usual. Based on prior reports, Wall (maintenance), Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols) DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), David Nwaba (right wrist), and Wood are expected to be out.
Denver’s injury report on Friday was much less extensive, with only two players listed on it. However, one of those is star guard Jamal Murray, who is out for the 2020-21 season with a torn left ACL. Monte Morris was also out on Friday due to a right hamstring strain. Will Barton is likely unavailable, since he injured his hamstring on Friday.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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