After a dominant showing in Sunday’s preseason opener versus San Antonio, the young Houston Rockets will face a far more talented opponent in Friday’s home exhibition versus the Toronto Raptors.
The rebuilding Spurs are projected to finish with one of the NBA’s worst records, whereas the Raptors — already off to a 2-0 start in the 2022-23 preseason — are a perennial playoff team and contender in the Eastern Conference. Thus, it should be a much greater challenge for Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and the young Rockets.
For Green in particular, it’s a showdown with fellow 2021 first-round draft pick Scottie Barnes. While both Barnes and Green were members of the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team for the 2021-22 season, Barnes beat out Green and their peers for Rookie of the Year honors.
Unfortunately for Green, he won’t have rookie sidekick Jabari Smith Jr. playing next to him after suffering a left ankle sprain in practice. The Rockets said his absence is “more precautionary.”
Scroll on for a look at broadcast information, projected lineups, and known injuries. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from Toyota Center.