2023 summer-league playoffs, Rockets vs. Jazz: Lineups, how to watch, TV, stream

For the first time, the Rockets are in the NBA’s abbreviated postseason at its annual summer league in Las Vegas. Based on a 4-0 start, Houston is one of four teams advancing to the playoffs, which consist of Sunday’s semifinals and Monday’s championship.

To get to Monday’s title game, summer-league head coach Ben Sullivan (lead assistant to Ime Udoka, in the regular season) needs to guide his young squad past a Utah Jazz group that has found similar success in Las Vegas — as shown by a matching 4-0 record.

The Rockets will again be short-handed, with rookie guard Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) sidelined. But in their absence, rookie prospect Cam Whitmore and two-way players Trevor Hudgins and Darius Days have picked up the slack and then some.

Based on lineups a few days ago, it looked like this matchup could become a star-studded rookie showdown between Whitmore and Utah’s Keyonte George, who was drafted a few picks prior to Whitmore at No. 16 overall in the 2023 first round. George has also excelled in Las Vegas as part of a strong start to his young career.

However, like Thompson, George is dealing with an ankle sprain and is now out for the remainder of summer league. That could present a clear path for Houston to advance to the title game.

When and How to Watch

• Date: Sunday, July 16

• Time: 5:00 p.m. CDT

• TV Channel: ESPN2

• Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free) or via Watch ESPN, with active subscription

Potential starting lineups

These are based on each team’s latest summer-league game.

Houston Rockets (4-0)

• Guard: Trevor Hudgins

• Guard: Cam Whitmore

• Forward: Nate Hinton

• Forward: Darius Days

• Center: Jermaine Samuels Jr.

Utah Jazz (4-0)

• Guard: Johnny Juzang

• Guard: Colbey Ross

• Forward: Keshawn Justice

• Forward: Luka Samanic

• Center: Micah Potter

Injury/status reports

Houston is again without Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) on Sunday afternoon, and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) are out, as well. Big man Jay Huff left the summer-league team after reportedly signing a contract with another team.

2023 summer league playoffs bracket

Rockets’ complete 2023 summer league roster

Recaps of previous games

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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire