After a dominant showing in Sunday’s preseason opener versus San Antonio, the young Houston Rockets will face a far more talented opponent in Friday’s home exhibition versus the Toronto Raptors.
The rebuilding Spurs are projected to finish with one of the NBA’s worst records, whereas the Raptors — already off to a 2-0 start in the 2022-23 preseason — are a perennial playoff team and contender in the Eastern Conference. Thus, it should be a much greater challenge for Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and the young Rockets.
For Green in particular, it’s a showdown with fellow 2021 first-round draft pick Scottie Barnes. While both Barnes and Green were members of the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team for the 2021-22 season, Barnes beat out Green and their peers for Rookie of the Year honors.
Unfortunately for Green, he won’t have rookie sidekick Jabari Smith Jr. playing next to him after suffering a left ankle sprain in practice. The Rockets said his absence is “more precautionary.” Houston will also be missing veteran guard Eric Gordon (rest) and starting center Alperen Sengun (dental procedure), along with head coach Stephen Silas (health and safety protocols)
Scroll on for a look at broadcast information, projected lineups, and known injuries. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from Toyota Center.
Raptors at Rockets broadcast information
- Date: Friday, Oct. 7
- Time: 7:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Radio: KBME 790 AM, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (1-0, preseason)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Tari Eason
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Center: Bruno Fernando
Toronto Raptors (2-0, preseason)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Gary Trent Jr.
- Forward: OG Anunoby
- Forward: Scottie Barnes
- Center: Pascal Siakam
Projected lineups are based on each team’s game notes.
Injuries
- Rockets: Jabari Smith Jr. out (left ankle sprain), Eric Gordon out (rest), Alperen Sengun out (dental procedure)
- Raptors: Malachi Flynn out (left cheekbone fracture), Otto Porter Jr. out (left hamstring strain), Justin Champagnie doubtful (right hip soreness)
This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
