Tag: John Wall

Timberwolves at Rockets: Tuesday’s lineups, injury reports and broadcast info

If the Rockets (15-46) want to avoid finishing with the NBA’s worst record this season, beating Minnesota (17-44) is likely necessary.

According to head coach Stephen Silas, it’s a personal goal of his to avoid finishing with the NBA’s worst record. For the Houston Rockets (15-46) to pull that off, they will almost certainly need to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-44) on Tuesday night at Toyota Center.

Minnesota currently owns the NBA’s second-worst record, and they have a much easier strength of schedule to close out the 2020-21 regular season. Thus, should the Rockets lose on Tuesday and go three games down with only 10 left to play, it’s hard to see them closing that gap.

On the other hand, the Rockets would close to within a game with a victory. They also appear to have a scheduling advantage as the home team and having not played since Saturday, whereas Minnesota will be on the second night of a back-to-back after hosting Utah on Monday.

For both the Timberwolves and Rockets, their odds in the NBA’s upcoming draft lottery will be identical as long as they finish the season within the league’s bottom three records. Thus, with each team currently well within that range, expect both to play hard as they seek to avoid the dubious distinction of being the league’s worst squad of 2021.

Here’s when you should tune in to see Tuesday’s game:

  • Date: Tuesday, April 27
  • Time: 8 p.m. Central
  • TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
  • Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)

Probable starting lineups

Houston Rockets (15-46)

  • Guard: John Wall
  • Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
  • Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
  • Forward: Kelly Olynyk
  • Center: Christian Wood

Minnesota Timberwolves (17-44)

  • Guard: Ricky Rubio
  • Guard: Josh Okogie
  • Forward: Anthony Edwards
  • Forward: Jaden McDaniels
  • Center: Karl-Anthony Towns

The Rockets will be much healthier than the short-handed version we last saw during Saturday’s loss at Denver. John Wall will return from a brief absence due to back-to-back maintenance, as will Christian Wood (right ankle soreness) and Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols). In effect, Houston will be regaining three starters.

According to the NBA’s official injury report, DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), and David Nwaba (right wrist) remain out for Tuesday’s game. Meanwhile, Minnesota won’t issue its injury report until a few hours before tipoff, since they played Monday. For that game, only Malik Beasley (out, left hamstring) was listed on the report.

Led by Porter and Olynyk, the Rockets routed the Timberwolves when they last met on March 27 in Minnesota. In Tuesday’s rematch, they will try to draw upon that experience as Houston looks to do it again.

Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnWzodJRMX4

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John Wall sparks Rockets in surprisingly close loss vs. Paul George, Clippers

George (33 points, 14 rebounds) and the Clippers had just enough to hold off Wall (27 points, 13 assists) and the Rockets at Toyota Center.

The Rockets put forth quite an effort on Friday night, but they didn’t have enough late in the fourth quarter as the Clippers rallied to a 109-104 victory (box score) at Toyota Center. Los Angeles (43-19) remains in control of the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings, but they were given a strong push by last-place Houston (15-45).

All-Star forward Paul George led the way with 33 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers, while Reggie Jackson added 19 points and 5 assists. John Wall led the Rockets with 27 points and 13 assists, while frontcourt starters Christian Wood (24 points, 19 rebounds) and Kelly Olynyk (23 points, 10 rebounds) each had strong games to keep it close.

Los Angeles outscored the Rockets, 33-24, in the final quarter.

“No matter what our record says, it’s still the game of basketball,” Wall said postgame. “We’ve got some veterans and some young guys, and no matter what’s going on, you never want to have any quit in you. There’s always something to play for.”

Yet again, Houston was quite short-handed. Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols) DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), Avery Bradley (illness), David Nwaba (right wrist) were all unavailable, though Danuel House Jr. did return after missing the last 10 games with a sprained ankle. In addition, Wood said will likely miss at least one game in the coming days. The 6-foot-10 big man has been plagued by ankle injuries this season.

See below for a compilation of Friday’s highlights and postgame reaction. Houston will fly to Denver overnight in preparation for Saturday’s game at Denver, which tips off at 9:00 p.m. Central. Since Wall played Friday, he is unlikely to play due to back-to-back maintenance.

“We’re very, very banged up, going into tomorrow’s game, and I’m not sure what it’s going to look like at this point,” head coach Stephen Silas said postgame. “Those guys fought hard.”

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Clippers at Rockets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Los Angeles won’t have Kawhi Leonard (right foot) available, but they will have Paul George. That’s enough to make them a big favorite.

In another apparent mismatch between the NBA’s worst team and one of its best, the Los Angeles Clippers travel to Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The visitors are widely viewed as title contenders for the 2021 playoffs, having won 10 of their last 11 games.

For the home side, it’s yet another game versus a top-tier opponent as the 2020-21 regular season winds down. The Rockets were blasted by Utah on Wednesday, and the Clippers will have every opportunity to do the same as Houston’s brief two-game homestand comes to a close.

As expected, Houston’s injury report for Friday is long. Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols) DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), and David Nwaba (right wrist) are all listed as out, though Danuel House Jr. (right ankle) is probable to return after missing the last 10 games.

The Los Angeles injury report is less extensive in volume, listing only three confirmed absences. However, one of those is superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, who will miss a third straight game with right foot soreness. Serge Ibaka (lower back) and Patrick Beverley (left hand fracture) are also out, while Rajon Rondo (right wrist) is questionable.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Clippers -10
  • Money line: Clippers -500 / Rockets +375
  • Over-under: 222.5
  • Player scoring props: Paul George 27.5; John Wall 22.5, Christian Wood 19.5, Kelly Olynyk 4.5, Jae’Sean Tate 12.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

With Leonard out, the Clippers are expected to start Reggie Jackson, Terance Mann, Paul George, Marcus Morris, and Ivica Zubac. Meanwhile, Stephen Silas is likely to counter with John Wall, Armoni Brooks, Jae’Sean Tate, Kelly Olynyk and Christian Wood for the Rockets.

Advice and prediction

John Wall is not on the initial injury report, but he could be a late addition, since Houston has returned to its original protocol of having Wall sit out one game of all back-to-backs for planned maintenance. (The Rockets also play on Saturday in Denver.) That might provide more value on the Clippers, since the aforementioned spread was made expecting Houston’s assists leader and second-leading scorer to be available.

Even if Wall does play, though, there are plenty of reasons that the Leonard-less Clippers could still win big. While Leonard has missed six games over the last two weeks, the Clippers are 5-1 in that stretch — with three wins by double-digit margins. Expect another one in Houston.

Prediction: Clippers 119, Rockets 107

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Clippers at Rockets: Friday’s lineups, injury reports and broadcast info

Los Angeles enters Friday’s game at No. 3 in a tightly packed Western Conference and in need of a win for playoff positioning.

In another apparent mismatch between the NBA’s worst team and one of its best, the Los Angeles Clippers travel to Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The visitors are widely viewed as title contenders for the 2021 playoffs, having won 10 of their last 11 games.

For the home side, it’s yet another game versus a top-tier opponent as the 2020-21 regular season winds down. The Rockets were blasted by Utah on Wednesday, and the Clippers will have every opportunity to do the same as Houston’s brief two-game homestand comes to a close.

The Clippers are currently No. 3 in the race for playoff seeding in the Western Conference, and they have plenty of incentive not to overlook the Rockets. Los Angeles is only 1.5 games behind Phoenix for the No. 2 seed, yet No. 4 Denver is only a game back in the loss column. Thus, for the Clippers, every remaining game has playoff implications.

The Clippers easily handled the Rockets, 126-109 (recap), in the only other meeting between the teams this season. That game took place two weeks ago at Staples Center in Los Angeles, and it featured the home squad taking command with an incredible 41-10 second quarter.

Here’s when you should tune in to see Friday’s rematch:

  • Date: Friday, April 23
  • Time: 7 p.m. Central
  • TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
  • Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)

Probable starting lineups

Houston Rockets (15-44)

  • Guard: John Wall
  • Guard: Armoni Brooks
  • Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
  • Forward: Kelly Olynyk
  • Center: Christian Wood

Los Angeles Clippers (42-19)

  • Guard: Reggie Jackson
  • Guard: Terance Mann
  • Forward: Paul George
  • Forward: Marcus Morris
  • Center: Ivica Zubac

As expected, Houston’s injury report for Friday is long. Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols) DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), and David Nwaba (right wrist) are all listed as out, though Danuel House Jr. (right ankle) is probable to return after missing the last 10 games.

John Wall is not listed on the injury report, but he could be a late addition, since Houston has returned to its original protocol of having Wall sit out one game of all back-to-backs for planned maintenance. If Wall does play Friday, he would likely sit out on Saturday in Denver.

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The Los Angeles injury report is less extensive in volume, listing only three confirmed absences for Friday. However, one of those is superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, who will miss a third straight game with right foot soreness. Serge Ibaka (lower back) and Patrick Beverley (left hand fracture) are also out, while Rajon Rondo (right wrist) is questionable.

But even with Leonard unavailable, the presence of another All-Star in Paul George will likely give the Clippers enough to win in Houston.

Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Jazz at Rockets: Lineups, injury reports and broadcast info for Wednesday

Utah’s record (43-15) is the perfect inverse of Houston’s mark (15-43). Even with Donovan Mitchell sidelined, the Jazz are big favorites.

In a battle between the NBA’s best and worst teams by current records, the Rockets host the Jazz on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. Utah’s 43-15 mark is the perfect inverse of Houston’s 15-43 record, and the Jazz also lead the league with a +9.2 point differential per game.

The one silver lining for Houston could be that the Jazz aren’t at full strength, since All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is out with a right ankle sprain. However, that’s of limited consolation to Stephen Silas, whose Rockets still have six potential rotation players sidelined.

As expected, Houston’s injury report for Wednesday still lists DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), and David Nwaba (right wrist) as out. Utah’s injury report is less extensive in volume, listing only Mitchell and Udoka Azubuike (right ankle) as out. Ersan Ilyasova is questionable with left hamstring tightness.

Here’s when you should tune in to see Wednesday’s game:

  • Date: Wednesday, April 23
  • Time: 7 p.m. Central
  • TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
  • Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)

Probable starting lineups

Houston Rockets (15-43)

  • Guard: John Wall
  • Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
  • Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
  • Forward: Kelly Olynyk
  • Center: Christian Wood

Utah Jazz (43-15)

  • Guard: Mike Conley
  • Guard: Joe Ingles
  • Forward: Bojan Bogdanovic
  • Forward: Royce O’Neale
  • Center: Rudy Gobert

The Jazz also have a potential NBA Sixth Man of the Year award winner coming off the bench in Jordan Clarkson, who averages 17.4 points in 25.9 minutes. With Mitchell out, Clarkson’s scoring total actually leads a balanced and deep Utah squad, with six players averaging at least 12 points per game. It would be a shocker if that isn’t enough in Houston.

If there’s any hope of an upset, it likely comes in the form of improved play by Kevin Porter Jr., a second-year guard for the Rockets. During Houston’s recently completed road trip in Florida, Porter averaged 20.0 points (48.3% FG, 50.0% on 3-pointers) and 5.0 assists per game, and he played a key role in Sunday’s rare victory at Orlando. However, the Jazz are clearly in a different class than the lowly Magic (18-39).

It’s worth noting that Porter did play well in his earlier meeting with Utah, posting 27 points and 8 assists on March 12 in Salt Lake City. However, it still wasn’t enough for the Rockets to get the victory.

Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Kendrick Nunn outduels Kevin Porter Jr. as Rockets fade late in Miami

Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. each scored 18, but it wasn’t nearly enough versus Kendrick Nunn (30 points, 8 assists) and the Heat.

After holding a small lead at halftime, the Rockets faded in the second half in Monday’s 113-91 loss (box score) at Miami. Coming off Sunday’s win at Orlando, it was Houston’s second game of a road back-to-back.

Christian Wood (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Kevin Porter Jr. (18 points) led the weary Rockets in scoring, while veteran guard John Wall returned but shot just 4-of-14 from the field (28.6%). Wall sat out Sunday’s game for planned maintenance during the split back-to-back.

Second-year guard Kendrick Nunn led the Heat (30-27) with 30 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, including 6-of-12 (50%) on 3-pointers. Veteran swingman Andre Iguodala (16 points, 7 assists) hit 4-of-7 shots (57.1%) from 3-point range, and Miami was +38 in his 28 minutes.

As usual, the Rockets were short-handed with six players out, and they were also reeling from the shocking news of Sterling Brown being assaulted. While Brown is expected to fully recover from his facial lacerations, he was with the team in Miami when the attack occurred.

See below for a compilation of highlights and postgame reaction. Houston (15-43) returns to action at home on Wednesday night for a game against the Utah Jazz, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpeV3hyH_PA

Nikola Jokic outduels Christian Wood as Nuggets rout Rockets

Jokic (29 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists) showed why he’s an MVP frontrunner as Denver cruised to Friday’s 128-99 victory in Houston.

All-Star center Nikola Jokic (29 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists) showed why he’s an MVP frontrunner on Friday at Toyota Center, leading the Denver Nuggets to a decisive 128-99 win (box score) in Houston.

The Rockets were led by frontcourt starters Kelly Olynyk (23 points, 6 rebounds), Jae’Sean Tate (21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Christian Wood (15 points, 3 rebounds), but were unable to keep up with Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. (21 points, 4-of-7 on 3-pointers).

Houston’s backcourt struggled mightily, with Kevin Porter Jr. and John Wall combining for 11 turnovers and 4-of-17 shooting (23.5% FG).

For the rebuilding Rockets (14-42), it’s the 10th loss in 11 games, allowing them to drop a half-game behind Minnesota for the NBA’s worst record in the 2020-21 season. Meanwhile, the Nuggets (36-20) remain in strong position for the 2021 playoffs at No. 4 in the Western Conference.

Houston returns to action on Sunday night in Orlando for the start of a road back-to-back, with a second game coming Monday in Miami.

Wall is expected to sit out one of those matchups in Florida for planned maintenance, according to the team’s revised plan, but it isn’t yet clear which game he will sit and which he will play. Backcourt mate Sterling Brown could return from a minor left knee injury during the back-to-back, which could potentially fill some of Wall’s vacated minutes.

Sunday’s tipoff versus the Magic is set for 6:00 p.m. Central. For now, here’s highlights and postgame reaction from Friday’s loss to Denver.

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Wall, Olynyk, Wood not enough as Indiana crushes Houston’s bench

John Wall, Kelly Olynyk, and Christian Wood combined for over 80 points, but bench units for the Rockets were severely outplayed.

John Wall, Kelly Olynyk, and Christian Wood all had big nights versus Indiana, but the Houston Rockets were unable to overcome subpar bench units in Wednesday’s 132-124 loss (box score) at Toyota Center.

Wall had a game-high 31 points and 9 assists, while Wood (25 points, 13 rebounds) and Olynyk (25 points, 10 rebounds) each had 25-point double-doubles. Houston had a positive point-differential with all three on the floor, and the Rockets were +8 in minutes with Wall and Wood.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t enough, since Houston was -16 in the 11 minutes that Wall and Wood did not play. The four reserves to play for the Rockets (Armoni Brooks, Avery Bradley, KJ Martin, and D.J. Wilson) all had point differentials of -12 or worse in limited playing time.

The Rockets gave up 75 points in the first half and 42 in the second quarter, which was reminiscent of when Phoenix scored 81 points in the first half on Monday. In both cases, Houston battled back and made it a competitive game by the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too large.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SD4ozu6GUI

The Pacers were led by Caris Levert (27 points), Malcolm Brogdon (23 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists) and Domantas Sabonis (22 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists), while Jeremy Lamb added 18 points off the bench and often took advantage of Houston’s sluggish reserve units.

The Rockets did have six players out injured for yet another game, which undoubtedly contributed to their depth issues.

See below for a compilation of highlights and postgame reaction. Houston finishes up its two-game homestand by hosting the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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Pacers at Rockets: Wednesday’s lineups, injury reports and broadcast info

Houston has more injuries, but they could have a scheduling edge, since Indiana is the road team and on the second night of a back-to-back.

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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Rockets to rest John Wall in one game of all remaining back-to-backs

“He is coming back from two years of major injuries,” Stephen Silas said. “It really wouldn’t make sense to try to make him push through.”

The Houston Rockets plan to rest John Wall in one game of all remaining back-to-backs in the 2020-21 season, per head coach Stephen Silas. That protocol began with Friday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Wall began the 2020-21 year with that restriction but transitioned in late February to a revised plan, which allowed him to play both ends. However, with Wall missing more time in March due to leg injuries and the Rockets (14-39) well out of contention for the 2021 playoffs, Silas and the organization seem to believe that it’s no longer worth it.

Here’s a roundup of comments by Silas over the weekend, as relayed by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:

Moving forward, we are going to make sure we’re smart with his injury management, the wear that he has, all of these things. …

We’re definitely going to be very careful with him as we move forward. He is coming back from two years of major injuries. It really wouldn’t make sense to try to make him push through for the sake of pushing through. We want to be smart about it.

Houston has four sets of back-to-backs remaining this season, including next Sunday and Monday in Orlando and Miami. When Wall sits out, Kevin Porter Jr. will take over as the primary ball-handler.

Now 30 years old, Wall has made five All-Star teams over a distinguished NBA career. The veteran point guard is averaging 20.8 points and 6.8 assists in 32.0 minutes during his first season with the Rockets.

Wall is under contract with Houston for two more seasons, so the franchise has every incentive to consider a longer-term view.

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