Key frontcourt and wing players are questionable. Their availability will dictate game flow and potentially swing the outcome for both teams.
On Thursday, March 5, the Houston Rockets (38-22) will face the Gold State Warriors (31-30) on the first night of yet another back-to-back at home.
When: Thursday, March 5 @ 6:30 PM CT
Where: Toyota Center, Houston
Where to watch:
Amazon PrimeVideo (with subscription)
Rockets vs. Warriors Injury Report
Keep this list handy- whether or not the questionable players suit up will determine tonight's game that's already riddled with key absences.
Houston:
Questionable: Alperen Sengun (illness)
Questionable: Jabari Smith Jr. (right ankle sprain)
Questionable: Amen Thompson (right ankle sprain)
Out: Jae'Sean Tate (right knee sprain)
Out: Steven Adams (left ankle surgery)
Out: Fred VanVleet (right knee ACL repair)
Golden State:
Questionable: Gary Payton II (left ankle impingement)
Out: Jimmy Butler III (right knee ACL surgery)
Out: Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation)
Out: Stephen Curry (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
Out: Moses Moody (right wrist sprain)
Out: Kristaps Porzingis (illness)
Out: Will Richard (right ankle sprain)
Houston’s side of the report revolves almost entirely around availability in the frontcourt and on the wing. If Alperen Sengun is unable to go due to illness, the Rockets would lose the hub of their offense. Sengun’s ability to generate paint touches, draw defensive attention, and facilitate from the post is central to Houston’s offensive structure.
Without him (and with Amams still sidelined), the Rockets would likely lean more heavily on perimeter creation and quick-hitting actions rather than their usual inside-out flow.
The status of Jabari Smith Jr. also matters for spacing and rebounding. Smith’s length and shooting give Houston a versatile forward who can stretch defenses while still protecting the glass. If he’s limited or unavailable, the Rockets lose one of their better floor spacers against a Warriors team that traditionally relies on help rotations and quick closeouts.
Amen Thompson’s ankle situation could impact Houston’s transition game. Thompson has become one of the Rockets’ most disruptive defenders and fastest open-floor threats, and his presence often dictates Houston’s pace. If he sits or is limited, Houston may need to rely more on half-court execution rather than pushing tempo.
Golden State’s report is even more striking. With Stephen Curry sidelined and multiple rotation players unavailable, the Warriors enter the matchup without much of the offensive engine that typically defines them. Curry’s absence has dramatically changed Golden State’s spacing and shot creation, forcing others to shoulder primary scoring duties.
If Gary Payton also can’t go, the Warriors lose one of their most reliable perimeter defenders- a factor that could give Houston’s guards more room to operate.
Both teams enter rested. Ultimately, Thursday’s game could come down to which team manages its absences better. If Houston’s questionable players suit up, the Rockets should have a clear advantage in both interior scoring and overall depth. If not, it could be a long night.