When the Rockets traded James Harden in January, they could have received Caris LeVert from the Brooklyn Nets as part of the blockbuster package. Instead, though, general manager Rafael Stone chose to re-direct LeVert to Indiana, with the Rockets receiving Victor Oladipo — and eventually, Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley, and a pick swap.
On Wednesday, LeVert, Olynyk, and Bradley will share the court at Toyota Center in Houston. That presents an opportunity to LeVert and his new team to perhaps show the Rockets what they missed out on.
At No. 9 in the East, the Pacers have playoff positioning on the line and much more to play for. By contrast, the Rockets — who are on a three-game losing streak — have the NBA’s second-worst record, and they’re currently only a half-game ahead of Minnesota in the league’s cellar.
Yet, it’s not as if Houston is devoid of any positives. The Rockets were competitive on Monday night in Phoenix, even against the squad with the second-best record in the Western Conference. Young players including Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., and Armoni Brooks all played well. If not for veteran John Wall shooting just 5-of-20 from the field (25%), it’s possible that the Rockets could have pulled off the upset.
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In Wall’s last home outing, he had a game-high 31 points and 7 assists in Houston’s surprising win over Dallas. One week later and in the same building, the five-time All-Star looks to recapture that form.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Wednesday’s game:
- Date: Wednesday, April 14
- Time: 8:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (14-40)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Kelly Olynyk
- Center: Christian Wood
Indiana Pacers (25-27)
- Guard: Malcolm Brogdon
- Guard: Edmond Sumner
- Forward: Caris LeVert
- Forward: Justin Holiday
- Center: Domantas Sabonis
Houston’s injury report is extensive, with Sterling Brown (left knee), DJ Augustin (left ankle), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), David Nwaba (right wrist), Dante Exum (right calf) and Eric Gordon (right groin) all listed as out. On the other side, Indiana’s report will not be released until midday Wednesday, since they played on Tuesday. In that game, Myles Turner (left ankle) and TJ Warren (left foot) were the only absences.
Nonetheless, even if the Pacers have more available bodies, the Rockets will be at home and should have a scheduling edge by not having played the night before. That could give them a path to compete.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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