With 13 straight losses and 18 in their past 19 games, the young Houston Rockets continue to own the NBA’s worst losing streak of the 2022-23 season. Monday offers another chance to finally end it.
Two of Houston’s near-misses in this woeful stretch came on Jan. 8 and Jan. 21 versus Minnesota, when the Rockets led in the first half of both games before falling apart in the second half. Now, two days after Saturday’s meeting, they have one last chance to finish the job in the final matchup of the season between the teams.
For the Rockets, the recent formula involves increased usage for second-year center Alperen Sengun. In his last five games, all of which have come without Kevin Porter Jr. (out, left foot soreness), Sengun is averaging 21 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 34.3 minutes per game on 69.8% shooting from the field.
However, it’s worth noting that Sengun’s strong showing Saturday versus the Timberwolves came with veteran big man Rudy Gobert sidelined by right groin soreness. Gobert is questionable to return Monday, which could make for a more difficult interior matchup.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Jan. 23
- Time: 7 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 (10-36)
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Tari Eason
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Minnesota Timberwolves (24-24)
- Guard: D’Angelo Russell
- Guard: Anthony Edwards
- Forward: Kyle Anderson
- Forward: Jaden McDaniels
- Center: Naz Reid
Projected lineups are based on each team’s prior game.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) as out and Jabari Smith Jr. (right ankle sprain) as questionable. Smith’s status is an upgrade relative to Saturday’s update, when he was officially listed by the team as doubtful before ultimately sitting out.
Minnesota is listing Karl-Anthony Towns (right calf strain) and Jordan McLaughlin (left calf strain) as out. Rudy Gobert (right groin soreness), Taurean Prince (left ankle sprain) and Bryn Forbes (illness) are questionable to play in Monday’s game.
