Rockets face a surging Pelicans squad. Can Houston overcome a potential Alperen Şengün absence and avoid a losing streak?
On Friday, March 13th, the Houston Rockets (40-25) will host the surging New Orleans Pelicans (22-45). This will be the third out of four matchups between these teams after splitting the first pair of games.
When: Friday, March 13th @ 7:00 PM CT
Where: Toyota Center, Houston
Where to watch: Local Broadcasting, NBA League Pass (with subscription)
Rockets vs. Pelicans Injury Report
Thankfully we shouldn’t have too many players missing action tonight. Aside from Harrison Barnes, both teams look to have their main rotation of players available. I’d be surprised if Amen Thompson doesn’t start again in this game, despite being listed as questionable.
Houston Rockets:
Questionable: Alperen Şengün (lower back pain)
Out: Jae'Sean Tate (right knee sprain)
Out: Steven Adams (left ankle surgery)
Out: Fred VanVleet (right knee ACL repair)
Out: Isaiah Crawford (G League/Two-Way)
Out: JD Davison (G League/Two-Way)
New Orleans Pelicans:
Out: Bryce McGowens (Right Small Toe Fracture)
Out: Josh Oduro ((G League/Two-Way))
Out: Trey Alexander (G League/Two-Way)
Out: Hunter Dickinson (G League/Two-Way)
With the Pelicans having what's essentially a fully healthy roster, it should be no surprise that they're 7-3 through their last 10 games. Dejounte Murray just recently returned from his achilles injury, obviously giving the team a big boost.
On the other side, Houston has gotten used to playing without FVV and Steven Adams, but it's a different story if Şengün doesn't suit up. The Rockets are nearly .500 without their star center this year with a 4-3 record.
This puts a lot more pressure on other guys to go and handle business against a surging young team. Regardless of who gets playing time tonight, this is a surprisingly important game for Houston, as previously covered on Roundtable.