The storied “I-10 rivalry” between the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets has been relatively dormant in recent years. But entering March 2024, both Texas teams are showing signs of life.
The Spurs (13-48) still have one of the NBA’s worst records, but they’ve won two straight (and both by double digits) as Rookie of the Year frontrunner Victor Wembanyama excels. Both of those recent wins came versus winning opponents in Oklahoma City and Indiana, too, though it’s worth noting that each was played in San Antonio.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (26-34) are much more competitive than in recent seasons while remaining on the fringe of the Western Conference play-in tournament race. Led by a resurgent Jalen Green, Houston is coming off Saturday’s thrilling victory at Phoenix.
If Houston has any hopes of keeping its slim play-in tournanent hopes alive, a home game versus the rebuilding Spurs could be essential. The Rockets are 20-10 at Toyota Center this season.
In this case, it’s the opener of a home back-to-back for the Rockets, who host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, March 5
- 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 (26-34)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
San Antonio Spurs (13-48)
- Guard: Tre Jones
- Guard: Malaki Branham
- Forward: Devin Vassell
- Forward: Jeremy Sochan
- Center: Victor Wembanyama
Projected lineups are based on each team’s previous game.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Steven Adams (right knee PCL surgery) and Tari Eason (left tibia surgery) as out, while Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr. are with Houston’s NBA G League affiliate. Both Adams and Eason are out for the rest of the 2023-24 season.
There was a Steven Adams sighting at Rockets practice today. Although he is out for this season, Adams wants to finish his rehabilitation here with the team…#Rockets #Sarge #RocketsWire pic.twitter.com/6dIBOB1dYo
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) March 4, 2024
San Antonio is listing Charles Bassey (left ACL tear) as out and Julian Champagnie (right ankle sprain) as questionable. With a mostly healthy roster, young prospects Jamaree Bouyea, Sidy Cissoko, David Duke Jr., and RaiQuan Gray are all in the G League.
Editor’s note: Victor Wembanyama (questionable) was a late addition to the injury report with left shoulder soreness.
March 5 uniform choices
- Rockets: White Association Edition
- Spurs: Black Icon Edition
