Key players sidelined and new arrivals shift the court dynamics. Discover how these absences will impact tonight's crucial Rockets-Spurs matchup.
On Tuesday January 20, the Houston Rockets (25-15) will face the San Antonio Spurs (30-13) at home.
When: Tuesday January 20 @ 7:00 PM CT
Where: Toyota Center, Houston
Where to watch:
Space City Home Network (local)
NBC (TV)
YouTubeTV (with subscription)
FuboTV (with subscription)
Subject to local blackouts
Rockets vs. Spurs Injury Report:
Bookmark this one. These changes will show up on the floor.
Houston:
Available: Forward - Tari Eason (ankle)
Out: Center - Steven Adams (ankle)
Out: Guard - Fred VanVleet (ACL)
San Antonio:
Out: Guard - Devin Vassell (thigh)
Steven Adams will be unavailable after spraining his left ankle in Sunday night’s win over New Orleans, removing a major source of physicality from the frontcourt.
Adams is Houston’s tone-setter when it comes to screens, interior rebounding, and soaking up contact- especially important in games where shot-making comes and goes, which has become a pattern as of late. Without him, Houston loses one of its easiest ways to tilt the possession battle through sheer force.
The biggest note on Houston’s side is Tari Eason being available. Even if his minutes are monitored, his presence matters. Eason adds disruption, rebounding from the wing, and defensive versatility, which all directly impact Houston’s ability to turn stops into early offense.
Fred VanVleet is still sidelined, and at this point the Rockets are operating in their established post-FVV identity.
What changes for San Antonio?
With Devin Vassell still out, the Spurs are short one of their most reliable perimeter scorers and a key spacing piece. His absence shifts more offensive responsibility onto the remaining guards and makes it harder for San Antonio to punish defensive lapses if Houston keeps the game in the half court.
Bottom line: Houston is still shorthanded, but with Eason available, they retain more of their defensive identity. If they control the glass and keep possessions clean, they’ll give themselves every chance to dictate the game at home.