In what appears to be a mismatch on paper, the Rockets will face the Nets and former teammate James Harden for the second and final time this season. Unlike the March 3 game, which was at Toyota Center, Wednesday’s matchup is Houston’s return visit to Brooklyn.
The Rockets (13-33) have the second-worst record in the Western Conference, while the Nets (32-15) have the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference. They’re also playing extremely well, having won 18 of their last 21 games — even with superstar forward Kevin Durant having missed more than a month due to a left hamstring strain.
In short, time has shown that Harden was correct in his assessment that Brooklyn offered him a better opportunity than Houston to compete for the NBA championship in the 2020-21 season. The Nets have proven to be attractive on the buyout market, as well, having signed veteran forwards Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge in recent weeks.
Despite the records, though, the Rockets have played better basketball of late. When the teams last met, Houston was in the middle of its historic 20-game losing streak. Since that skid, the Rockets have won two of five, and they were competitive in Monday’s home loss to Memphis — even with star center Christian Wood out due to illness.
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Here’s when you should tune in to see Wednesday’s game:
- Date: Wednesday, March 31
- Time: 6:30 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (13-33)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Forward: Danuel House Jr.
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Center: Christian Wood
Brooklyn Nets (32-15)
- Guard: Kyrie Irving
- Guard: James Harden
- Forward: Joe Harris
- Forward: Bruce Brown
- Center: DeAndre Jordan
As for the injury report, Wood (illness) is probable to return, but John Wall is questionable (left knee effusion). That’s the same knee that Wall is reportedly likely to have scoped at some point. Danuel House Jr. (back soreness) is probable, while Eric Gordon (groin), David Nwaba (wrist) and Dante Exum (calf) remain out with longer-term injuries.
If Wall sits out, DJ Augustin appears likely to start in his place.
In addition to Durant’s absence, the Nets will be without Aldridge (rest) and Spencer Dinwiddie (right knee) for Wednesday’s game. Landry Shamet (right ankle sprain) is listed as questionable.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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