Last week was something of a missed opportunity for the Houston Rockets (21-24), who went 1-2 in a three-game span against opponents that all had worse records in the 2023-24 season to date.
Now, as a three-game homestand begins, the Rockets have a pair of tougher matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers (24-23) on Monday and the New Orleans Pelicans (26-20) on Wednesday.
Should the Rockets win one or both of those games at Toyota Center, it could undo some or all of the damage of those missed opportunities. However, accomplishing that is easier said than done.
From a roster perspective, Houston appears to have reinforcements on the way, since head coach Ime Udoka said over the weekend that he expects Jabari Smith Jr. to return to the lineup on Monday. The second-year forward has missed four straight games for the Rockets with a left ankle sprain, and Houston is 1-3 in those games.
The Lakers are coming off a dramatic double-overtime win at Golden State on Saturday, so it remains to be seen how fresh the legs will be for superstar forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both are listed as questionable to play, as of Sunday evening.
The Lakers are 2-1 against the Rockets this season, with the home team winning each of the three games. In the last meeting from early December at Los Angeles, Udoka and James had a heated exchange that led to technicals for both and an ejection for Houston’s coach.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Jan. 29
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (21-24)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Los Angeles Lakers (24-23)
- Guard: D’Angelo Russell
- Guard: Austin Reaves
- Forward: Taurean Prince
- Forward: LeBron James
- Center: Anthony Davis
Projected lineups are based on each team’s previous game, with the exception of Smith (expected back from injury) in place of Jeff Green.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) and Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management) as out.
The Lakers have Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain) and Gabe Vincent (left knee surgery) listed as out, while both LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Anthony Davis (bilateral Achilles tendinopathy) are questionable coming off Saturday’s high workload.
Jan. 29 uniform choices
- Rockets: Red Icon Edition
- Lakers: Gold Icon Edition
Latest interviews
#Rockets battled back after being down 28 points in the 1st half, but fall to the Nets 106-104@HoustonRockets head coach Ime Udoka after the game pic.twitter.com/33usD8ahkv
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) January 28, 2024
#Rockets fall to the Nets 106-104
Cam Whitmore 19 PTS, 9 REB and met with the media after the game pic.twitter.com/3SP2in5HSI
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) January 28, 2024
#Rockets lose to the Nets 106-104
Dillon Brooks 19 points and met with the media after the game pic.twitter.com/tu8ROb8nY6
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) January 28, 2024
