4 days ago
2
The Houston Rockets will look to continue their winning ways when they take on a Portland Trail Blazers team that’s been quietly solid, even with some of its best players on the shelf.
The Trail Blazers have been able to keep their heads above water in the Wild West because forward Deni Avdija has firmly staked his claim as a star at the highest level — he’s averaging 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game — and Tiago Splitter has filled in admirably for Chauncey Billups as their interim head coach. However, they’ve struggled at home all season, and that fact is going to come back to bite them on Wednesday night.
Advertisement
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 22-11 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings' fifth-place slot.
Nov 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) drives with the ball as Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Portland Trail Blazers are the owners of a 17-20 record and a three-game winning streak, good enough for ninth place in the Western Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston beat the Phoenix Suns (100-97) at home.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 14: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the second half of the 2025 NBA Cup game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Toyota Center on November 14, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Portland beat the Utah Jazz (137-117) at home.
Injuries
For Houston, Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain) is out, Isaiah Crawford (illness) is out and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.
Nov 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) shoots the ball as Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
For Portland, Jrue Holiday (right calf strain) is out, Jerami Grant (left Achilles) is out, Damian Lillard (injury management - left Achilles tendon) is out, Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear) is out, Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy) is out, Blake Wesley (right foot fracture) is out and Kris Murray (low back soreness) is doubtful.
Advertisement
Probable starting lineups - Houston
Amen Thompson
Tari Eason
Kevin Durant
Jabari Smith Jr.
Steven Adams
Nov 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka smiles during a timeout against the Portland Trailblazers during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups - Portland
Deni Avdija
Shaedon Sharpe
Kris Murray
Toumani Camara
Donovan Clingan
Here's when you should tune in to see the game:
Date: Jan. 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 p.m. CT
TV Channel: Space City Home Network
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (1/7)
English (US) ·