How Flight Delays Could Impact the Houston Rockets’ Next Matchup

On Monday November 9th, the Houston Rockets are hoping to snap their first losing streak of the season. Unfortunately they’ll have to do that against the Denver Nuggets, who have won two consecutive games. 

To make matters worse, Steven Adams and Clint Capela are still expected to be sidelined, according to the official NBA injury report. That might not matter, though, as a majority of Denver’s roster is listed as questionable. 

When: Monday, November 9th @ 7:30 PM CT 

Where: Toyota Center in Houston, Texas 

Where to watch: Local Broadcasting and NBA League Pass

Out: Steven Adams (C), right soleus strain. Hasn't played since the October 23 win over San Antonio, and will be re-evaluated weekly. 

Out: Clint Capela (C), right ankle sprain. Hasn't played since Halloween night, missing his fourth straight game. 

Out: Quadir Copeland (G), G-League/Two-Way 

Out: Julian Phillips (F), G-League/Two-Way

Questionable: Nikola Jokic (C), right elbow sprain. Played in Denver’s previous game. 

Questionable: Jamal Murray (G), left shin/tibia contusion. Played in Denver’s previous game. 

Questionable: Aaron Gordon (F), lower body injury management. Played in Denver’s previous game. 

Questionable: Cameron Johnson (F), lower body injury management. Played in Denver’s previous game. 

Questionable: DeMar DeRozan (F), lower back spasms. Played in Denver’s previous game. 

Questionable: Christian Braun (G), left calf contusion and illness. Played in Denver’s previous game. 

Out: Julian Strawther (G), left knee sprain. Hasn’t played since the preseason. 

Available: Spencer Jones (F), bilateral hamstring injury. Played in Denver’s last game, and is expected to suit up again. 

With us still having about 24 hours before tip-off on Monday, there’s a good chance we see some changes in the injury report. Particularly on Denver’s side of things, considering a delayed flight from Mexico City is the main reason everyone’s questionable. 

While it’d be nice to get some clarity on who Houston will actually be facing, they’ll have to go out and compete no matter who they see. If not, the Rockets will be facing a third straight loss very early in this new season. 

It should come as no surprise to see Steven  Adams and Clint Capela still being held out, which means Oscar Tshiebwe should get more minutes. Perhaps that won’t be much of an issue if Nikola Jokic doesn’t play, but only time will tell. 

Either way, the Rockets are looking to get back to their winning ways, and get their first win against the Nuggets this season. After starting out well against the Spurs and Thunder, they still need to prove they can beat Minnesota, Denver, and the Lakers. 

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