Rockets at Knicks: Lineups, injury reports, and broadcast info for Saturday
The Houston Rockets will remain short-handed for the immediate future, with at least two starters and possibly a third sidelined for Saturday’s game at Madison Square Garden versus the New York Knicks.
Star big man Christian Wood remains sidelined indefinitely with a right ankle sprain, while veteran guard Victor Oladipo is out for the time being with a right foot injury. Even defensive ace PJ Tucker, who has the NBA’s longest active streak of consecutive games played at 266, is questionable with a left thigh contusion. Given all those injuries, it’s not a huge shock that Houston enters Saturday on a four-game losing streak.
The Knicks, by contrast, are relatively healthy, with guard Frank Ntilikina (health and safety protocols) as the only quasi-rotation player listed on Friday’s injury report. If there’s any break for Stephen Silas and the Rockets, it’s that the Knicks will be on the second night of a back-to-back — and in two different cities, having played in Washington on Friday. So there’s at least the opportunity for some tired legs, or perhaps for New York coach Tom Thibodeau to consider a maintenance plan.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Saturday’s game:
Date: Saturday, Feb. 13
Time: 7:00 p.m. Central
TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (11-14)
Guard: John Wall
Guard: Eric Gordon
Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
Forward: PJ Tucker
Center: DeMarcus Cousins
New York Knicks (11-15)
Guard: Elfrid Payton
Guard: RJ Barrett
Forward: Reggie Bullock
Forward: Julius Randle
Center: Mitchell Robinson
Randle leads the Knicks in most major statistical categories, averaging 22.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, recent trade acquisition Derrick Rose brings extra scoring punch to the bench.
For the Rockets, Gordon will again start in place of Oladipo. If the signing of young big man Ray Spalding is completed before Saturday’s game, he could provide additional frontcourt depth behind Cousins.
Should Tucker (questionable) not be able to play and lose his consecutive games streak, reserve forward Danuel House Jr. would appear to be the most likely candidate for Silas to start in Tucker’s place.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
