UPDATE: Michael Porter Jr. (Illness) ruled out for Thursday’s contest.
Kevin Durant returns to Brooklyn in another new uniform on New Year’s Day, as the Nets host the Houston Rockets at Barclays Center.
The Rockets (20–10, 4th West) recently rebounded from a turbulent stretch and have now won three straight, capped by a Monday win over the Pacers. The Nets (10–20, 13th East) have sneakily been one of the hottest teams in basketball of late, but will aim to bounce back from a Monday loss to the Warriors.
The teams first met for the fourth game of the season in Houston, where the Rockets coasted to a 28-point rout.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Houston Rockets
- Out: Fred VanVleet (ACL)
- Questionable:Steven Adams (Ankle), Alperen Sengun (Calf), Tari Eason (Illness)
Brooklyn Nets
- Out: Egor Demin (Back), Haywood Highsmith (Knee), Ben Saraf (G League Assignment)
- Questionable: Michael Porter Jr. (Illness), Terrance Mann (Hip)
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. ET. Houston enters as a heavy 11.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn is listed as a +400 underdog. The game’s total is set at 218.5 points.
Rockets vs. Nets Preview
Houston Rockets Preview
Following an uncharacteristic stretch, in which they lost five of seven games, Houston has returned to its regularly scheduled programming: Being one of the NBA’s most formidable contenders.
The addition of former MVP Kevin Durant has prepared the Rockets for liftoff, as they now boast a top ten defense and the league’s third-best offense. Space City trails only behind defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder for the top net rating in the NBA.
Durant’s generational scoring pedigree has complemented a burgeoning young core, anchored by elite defender Amen Thompson and do-it-all big man Alperen Sengun. The latter contributes 22.7 points while leading the Rockets with 9.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and one block a night. However, Sengun hasn’t played since straining his calf on Christmas, and he’s listed as questionable for Thursday’s contest.
Brooklyn Nets Preview
The Brooklyn Nets have won seven of their last 11 games — how about that? There must be something magical about winter in New York City, because in December, the Nets have looked like something they haven’t been since Durant and company left the borough: legit.
While Brooklyn likely won’t be competing for a title any time soon, the team’s young core has shown immense potential and, in turn, optimism for the years ahead. The outlook became especially bright in December, as the Nets boasted the NBA’s top defensive rating for the calendar month. They produced a top-three net rating during that span, compared to Houston’s ninth-ranked mark.
Like the Rockets, the Nets brought in a pure scorer this season to amplify their offense. And while he’s obviously no Durant, Michael Porter Jr. has thrived as the team’s No. 1 option, averaging 25.8 points with 7.5 rebounds per game. However, he’s currently nursing an illness and is listed as questionable for Monday’s contest.
If Porter is sidelined, Brooklyn will likely lean on Nic Claxton and Noah Clowney, each contributing around 13 points a night, as well as the returning Cam Thomas — though he’s been on a minutes restriction in two games back from injury.
Rockets vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet
Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. With Sengun and Porter both questionable, the Rockets and Nets each risk taking the court without central figures of their overall game plans. Whether one, neither, or both of them play could drastically affect the game’s outcome.
If both are active, Brooklyn appears well-positioned to cover the lofty 11.5-point spread. This is a far different Nets squad than the one the Rockets beat earlier in the season. During its recent surge, Brooklyn has gone toe-to-toe with some of the NBA’s toughest teams and even notched wins over the Raptors and Timberwolves.
If Porter is out Monday night, don’t expect that trend to continue. But if Sengun is the one sidelined, the Nets could have an outside shot at pulling off the upset.
