Entering what was billed by many as another rebuilding year, the Houston Rockets have wildly overachieved expectations to this point in the NBA’s 2022-23 preseason. With a 2-0 record and an average margin of victory of 27 points, second-year guard Jalen Green and rookie forward Tari Eason have led the way for an improving group.
But Monday’s game at Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and the veteran-laden Miami Heat is Houston’s first road game of the exhibition slate, and it comes versus a perennial Eastern Conference contender.
The Rockets will again be short-handed with rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) and Eric Gordon (rest) sitting out for a second straight game, though second-year center Alperen Sengun will return after missing Friday’s victory due to a dental procedure.
Can Houston keep its run of surprisingly strong form going? Scroll on for a look at broadcast information, projected lineups, and known injuries. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Central at FTX Arena.