In a tight standings race for the Western Conference play-in tournament, the Houston Rockets (20-23) had numerous scheduling advantages in Wednesday’s home game versus Portland (13-30).
The Rockets were better on paper, and they hadn’t played since Sunday. The Trail Blazers were on night two of a road back-to-back. Houston also typically plays better at home, where they are 16-8 this season. Away from home, the Rockets are just 4-15.
Yet, even with those perceived advantages, the Rockets and their suddenly leaky defense found a way to lose to the Trail Blazers in overtime. Houston has now lost eight of its last 11 games, overall.
So, even though the Rockets are better than the Hornets (10-32) by record, they’re a comparable team to Portland — and this time, the matchup is on the road. That could make it another grind, particularly when considering that Ime Udoka will also be navigating back-to-back considerations. Houston plays Saturday night in Brooklyn.
Some good news is that Jabari Smith Jr. does appear set to return from a left ankle sprain after missing Houston’s previous two games. He’s not listed on Friday’s injury report for the Rockets.
After missing the past two games with a sprained left ankle, Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. is not on the injury report. Jae'Sean Tate (strained left wrist) and Reggie Bullock Jr. (sore lower back) are questionable. Tari Eason remains out.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) January 25, 2024