Key Rockets and Suns injuries create frontcourt chaos. See who's playing and how their absences will impact this crucial matchup.
On Monday, January 5, the Houston Rockets (21-11) return home to face the Phoenix Suns (21-14) at Toyota Center.
When: Monday, January 5 @ 7:00 PM CT
Where: Toyota Center, Houston
Where to watch:
Space City Home Network (local)
NBA League Pass (subject to local blackouts)
Rockets vs. Suns Injury Report
Houston
Questionable: Steven Adams (ankle)
Out: Alperen Şengün (ankle)
Out: Fred VanVleet (ACL)
Phoenix
Probable: Mark Williams (knee)
Probable: Grayson Allen (knee)
Out: Jamaree Bouyea (concussion)
Out: Jalen Green (hamstring)
Houston enters the matchup navigating real frontcourt uncertainty. On Saturday night in Dallas, Alperen Şengün went down just over a minute into the game after tripping over Daniel Gafford’s leg while battling for a defensive rebound. He exited to the locker room for evaluation and never returned.
The Rockets have managed stretches without Şengün before, adjusting their approach toward defensive execution and rebounding rather than leaning on his playmaking. This time, though, there was no runway.
Steven Adams was already sidelined with an ankle sprain, leaving Houston without a true center and without time to recalibrate. Add Kevin Durant’s early foul trouble to the mix, and Udoka simply ran out of workable options. Houston ultimately fell to the Mavericks, 110-104.
Adams has since been upgraded to questionable for Monday’s game, and his availability matters. When Adams is on the floor, Houston controls the glass and generates second-chance points that have fueled this team all season. If he sits again, the margin for error inside shrinks fast.
On Phoenix’s side, the injury report looks busier than it actually is. Both Mark Williams and Grayson Allen have been upgraded to probable, and neither situation points to a last-minute surprise.
Williams has been dealing with knee injury management for weeks, more maintenance than setback, and is expected to handle his usual role. Allen’s knee soreness falls into a similar category- something the Suns have monitored without altering their core rotation.
Jamaree Bouyea remains out after entering concussion protocol, while Jalen Green continues to recover from a hamstring injury and is not considered close to returning.
The early tone will matter here. Houston is at its best when games slow down and turn physical. Phoenix wants space, rhythm, and clean looks. With injuries shaping both rotations, the opening minutes should tell us quickly which team gets to play on its terms.