Two nights after his historic 50-point game, second-year guard Kevin Porter Jr. leads the Houston Rockets into a nationally televised matchup versus the Golden State Warriors, led by MVP candidate Stephen Curry.
It’s a chance for the Rockets to grab the national spotlight, with the game airing on ESPN. Houston hasn’t often had that since trading James Harden, which sent the Rockets into an inevitable rebuilding cycle, but Saturday’s home game at Toyota Center is a rare exception.
On paper, Golden State has much more to play for, since they’re currently at No. 10 in the Western Conference standings — representing the final spot of the play-in tournament for the 2021 playoffs. They’re in a much better position than the Rockets, who have the NBA’s worst record. However, Houston heads into the matchup with some momentum, having surprised Milwaukee in Thursday’s win. They would also love to potentially play a role in keeping their old rivals out of the playoffs.
For Porter, it’s an opportunity to see where he stands when matched up against Curry. the league’s top scorer and a future Hall of Famer.
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Here’s when you should tune in to see Saturday’s game:
- Date: Saturday, May 1
- Time: 6:30 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: ESPN and AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (16-47)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Armoni Brooks
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Kelly Olynyk
- Center: Christian Wood
Golden State Warriors (31-32)
- Guard: Steph Curry
- Guard: Kent Bazemore
- Forward: Andrew Wiggins
- Forward: Draymond Green
- Center: Kevon Looney
As usual in an injury plagued 2020-21 season, the Rockets will be quite short-handed. According to the NBA’s injury report, John Wall (right hamstring) DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), and David Nwaba (right wrist) are all listed as out. Meanwhile, Avery Bradley (right leg soreness) is questionable.
The Warriors, however, have their own share of injuries. Klay Thompson (right Achilles), James Wiseman (right knee), and Damion Lee (health and safety protocols) are out; Eric Paschall (left hip flexor) is doubtful; and Kelly Oubre Jr. (left wrist) and Draymond Green (shoulder) are each questionable for Saturday’s game in Houston.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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