Thanks to the late exploits of rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr., the young Houston Rockets are on their first three-game winning streak of the 2022-23 season. They have now won five of their last eight overall, which is clearly their best form in a while.
Now, in Sunday’s immediate rematch against New Orleans – which remains very much in the Western Conference playoff race – can Smith and the Reconstruction Rockets somehow do it again?
Smith was the obvious post-game storyline for the Rockets, but sophomore guard Jalen Green was most impactful for Friday’s game as a whole. The 21-year-old had a team-high with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists on 10-of-20 shooting (50.0%) against the Pelicans.
Defensively, the key is whether Alperen Sengun and the Rockets can find a way to better defend Jonas Valanciunas’ inner size and physicality. The seven-footer finished Friday with 22 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks, making 10 of 16 shots (62.5%).
When and how to see
Possible starting positions
Houston Rockets (18-52)
New Orleans Pelicans (33-37)
Estimated lineups are based on each team’s previous game.
injury reports
With Houston’s injury report clean, the Rockets recently opted to send rookie guard TyTy Washington to their NBA G League partner (the Rio Grande Valley Vipers) for more short-term playtime.
New Orleans again lists Zion Williamson (right Achilles tendon strain), Jose Alvarado (right shin stress reaction) and EJ Liddell (recovery from right knee ACL injury) as absentees for Sunday’s game.
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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire
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