The Rockets own the NBA’s worst record. The San Antonio Spurs are only slightly better. In a pair of weekend matchups that could prove pivotal in the race for 2023 NBA draft positioning, these two Western Conference cellar dwellers meet in back-to-back games, with the second coming Sunday night at Houston’s Toyota Center.
In Saturday’s opening matchup in San Antonio, Houston moved a game closer in the standings thanks to a convincing 122-110 win, which ended an 11-game losing streak for the Rockets. Rookie forward Tari Eason tied his career high with 20 points on strong efficiency, and he added a number of key defensive plays, as well.
But the Spurs may be healthier for the rematch. Both Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, San Antonio’s leading scorers, were held out on Saturday with minor injuries, but each could be available a day later.
In addition to Eason playing well, the Rockets also had an uncharacteristically strong shooting game from fellow rookie Jabari Smith Jr., who scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting (71.4%). They’d love for that to continue in Houston as they pursue a weekend sweep.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, March 5
- Time: 6 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (14-49)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
San Antonio Spurs (16-48)
- Guard: Devonte’ Graham
- Guard: Tre Jones
- Forward: Keita Bates-Diop
- Forward: Jeremy Sochan
- Center: Zach Collins
Projected lineups are based on Saturday’s starters.
Injury reports
Neither team will issue its injury report for Sunday until a few hours before tipoff, owing to the back-to-back.
On Saturday, Houston’s injury report listed Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle injury maintenance) as out, though he’s likely to play in Sunday’s rematch. TyTy Washington was listed as questionable due to an illness, and while he was ultimately upgraded to available, he did not play.
San Antonio listed Doug McDermott (right thumb sprain), Isaiah Roby (right ankle sprain), Devin Vassell (left knee injury management), and Khem Birch (right knee chondromalacia) as out. Because of the injury management designation, expect Vassell to play on Sunday.
Romeo Langford (left adductor tightness) and Malaki Branham (low back contusion) were questionable, while Keldon Johnson (left foot sprain) was doubtful. Ultimately, Langford played for the Spurs, while Branham and Johnson did not.
