The Houston Rockets should be without at least four rotation players on Tuesday due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. But as LeBron James leads the Los Angeles Lakers into Toyota Center, the home team should have two of its biggest names back in the lineup.
With Houston kicking off a three-game homestand, starting guards Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. — who each sat out Monday’s loss in Charlotte due to back-to-back maintenance considerations after their recent leg injuries — are expected to return versus James and the Lakers.
Neither team has much momentum at the moment. Each is 2-8 in their last two games, with the Lakers on a five-game losing streak and the Rockets on a four-game skid. Both sides have several rotation players out due to injury or health and safety protocols. As a result, it should be a fun and unpredictable matchup as each team tries to snap its slide.
Stephen Silas says "most likely" Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green will play tomorrow against the Los Angeles Lakers at home.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) December 27, 2021