Rockets face Cavaliers shorthanded. With Eason out and Smith uncertain, can Houston's depth overcome Cleveland's health advantage tonight?
Wednesday, November 19 the Houston Rockets (9-3) will face the Cleveland Cavaliers (10-5) in Cleveland.
When: Wednesday, November 19 @ 6:00 PM CT
Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland
Where to watch:
ESPN
FuboTV (with subscription)
ESPN Unlimited (with subscription)
Rockets vs. Cavaliers Injury Report:
Keep this list handy - missing five rotation players collectively, both teams will need to adjust. Houston’s depth will be tested while Cleveland looks to capitalize with their health advantage.
Houston will be without forward Tari Eason (right oblique strain) as he enters a 4-to-6 week absence, ruled out for tonight’s matchup. Guard Fred VanVleet (right ACL repair) is also out for the season, and Dorian Finney‑Smith (left ankle surgery) will also be sitting. Jabari Smith Jr. is listed as questionable with a right-knee issue.
This will be the Rockets second game without Eason on the floor, and his absence already showed on Sunday against Orlando. Houston struggled to find looks and pulled down just 7 of 25 potential offensive boards in the first half- all areas where Eason normally fuels the team.
Houston will have to rely more heavily on Amen Thompson for fastbreak creation, while he and Alperen Şengün will need to dominate the glass to make up for missing Eason’s extra possessions.
The perimeter defense will take a hit without Smith’s length if he is also down for the count tonight. Josh Okogie will have to be on top of Donovan Mitchell, who just dropped 37 points on the Bucks on Monday.
On the Cleveland side, most of their core is back and healthy. Guard Darius Garland is out due to a left big-toe contusion, forward Max Strus remains sidelined with a left-foot injury, and guard Jaylon Tyson is out under concussion protocol. Sharpshooter Sam Merrill is listed as questionable with a right-hand sprain.
Houston comes in shorthanded tonight, and Cleveland comes in hot. This matchup will tell a lot about the Rockets ability to adjust with smart rotations. With Eason out and Smith uncertain, the Rockets’ margin for error is razor thin, especially if the Cavaliers are shooting at elite efficiency.