Rockets at Clippers: Friday’s lineups, injury reports and broadcast info
Despite what has become a rebuilding season, the Rockets have shown clear growth and progress in recent days. After taking the Phoenix Suns down to the final seconds on Monday, Houston shocked Dallas with a 102-93 home victory (recap) on Wednesday.
Two nights later, Houston looks to take that momentum on the road to Staples Center in yet another game versus a Western Conference playoff team. It’s the first meeting of the 2020-21 season between the Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, with two more coming over the next month.
Led by the All-Star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers enter with plenty of momentum, having won nine of their last 11 games. There could, however, be some fatigue issues, since it’s the second night of a back-to-back. (They hosted the Suns on Thursday.)
Then again, the Rockets might not be the best team to exploit any tired legs. Beyond the talent gap, Stephen Silas will have to be cautious with minutes totals for his regulars, since the Rockets have their own back-to-back to navigate on Friday and Saturday (at Golden State). Most notably, Houston’s maintenance club is headlined by veteran guard John Wall, who will sit out Friday for “left Achilles injury management.”
Related
John Wall scores game-high 31 in return as Rockets shock Mavs
Kelly Olynyk grabs career-high 18 rebounds as Rockets stun Mavs
Here’s when you should tune in to see Friday’s game:
Date: Friday, April 9
Time: 9 p.m. Central
TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (14-37)
Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
Guard: Sterling Brown
Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
Forward: Kelly Olynyk
Center: Christian Wood
Los Angeles Clippers (35-18)
Guard: Pat Beverley
Guard: Paul George
Forward: Kawhi Leonard
Forward: Marcus Morris Sr.
Center: Ivica Zubac
Besides Wall, Houston’s injury report also lists Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), David Nwaba (right wrist), Dante Exum (right calf), and Eric Gordon (right groin) as out. The Clippers’ report won’t be made available until midday Friday, given that they played on Thursday night. In that game, only Serge Ibaka (out, lower back tightness) was listed.
If minutes are at a premium in the upcoming back-to-back, the Rockets will have more available depth than in many of their recent games. Recent signing Armoni Brooks is now with the team after clearing COVID-19 entry protocols, as is fellow newcomer DaQuan Jeffries.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
