The Rockets open a six-game homestand when the Chicago Bulls visit Toyota Center on Saturday night. It’s Houston’s longest streak of consecutive home games still left in the 2022-23 NBA season.
The Rockets enter with the NBA’s worst record, but there have been some encouraging signs from Houston’s young squad in recent days. They’ve won two of their last four games, and in Thursday’s overtime loss at Indiana, rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. had the best game of his young career with a career-high 30 points and 12 rebounds. That line included a dramatic tying 3-pointer late in regulation.
Kevin Porter Jr., who usually starts at point guard for the Rockets, missed Thursday’s game due to a left thigh contusion. However, he’s probable to return versus the Bulls. Rookie guard TyTy Washington is also back with the Rockets after spending a brief stint with Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
The Rockets are already eliminated from the Western Conference playoff picture, while DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine’s Bulls are only a half-game back of the No. 10 spot in the East standings — which means a berth in the play-in tournament. Thus, at least on paper, Chicago enters Saturday’s game with more incentive to win.