Fresh off a feel-good victory to end a historic losing streak, the Rockets will look to make it two consecutive wins when the Charlotte Hornets visit Toyota Center on Wednesday night. It’s the finale of a seven-game homestand, which is Houston’s longest of the 2020-21 NBA season.
Houston had four players (Christian Wood, John Wall, Jae’Sean Tate, and Sterling Brown) score 19 or more points in Monday’s win over Toronto, and each should be available to play on Wednesday, as well.
The big question is veteran guard Victor Oladipo, who is Houston’s No. 2 scorer among active players. Oladipo sat out for planned maintenance versus the Raptors, as he typically does in back-to-back settings, and he normally returns to his starting spot by the next game.
This week, however, is unique, since Thursday is this season’s trade deadline — and reports have indicated that Oladipo is likely to be dealt. As a result, it’s unclear whether the Rockets will play Oladipo and risk injury less than 24 hours before the deadline. He’s not currently listed on Houston’s injury report, but that could change at any point until tipoff.
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Here’s when you should tune in to see Wednesday’s game:
- Date: Wednesday, March 24
- 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 (12-30)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Victor Oladipo
- Forward: Danuel House Jr.
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Center: Christian Wood
Charlotte Hornets (21-21)
- Guard: Terry Rozier
- Guard: Devonte’ Graham
- Forward: PJ Washington
- Forward: Gordon Hayward
- Center: Bismack Biyombo
As for those who are listed on the injury report, reserve guard Kevin Porter Jr. is questionable after missing Monday’s game due to right quadriceps soreness. As expected, Eric Gordon (groin), David Nwaba (wrist), and Dante Exum (calf) remain out with longer-term injuries.
Unlike Houston, Charlotte doesn’t have a losing record and would currently qualify for the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they may not be as strong as those data points would suggest, given the serious wrist injury to rookie sensation LaMelo Ball — which appears likely to end his season. In addition, usual starting center Cody Zeller is questionable with left shoulder bursitis.
The Hornets easily beat the Rockets in February, but Houston didn’t have Wall or Wood and the Hornets were led by Ball, who set a career-high with seven 3-pointers. With both Houston stars back in the lineup, the Rockets will hope to turn the tables as Charlotte pays its return visit.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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