The Houston Rockets will begin 2022 on New Year’s Day in a very similar manner to how they ended 2021: Welcoming a health-ravaged opponent to Toyota Center. This time, it’s the Denver Nuggets, who are coming off a postponement due a lack of available players.
Fortunately, barring a late increase in positive COVID-19 test results, the Nuggets have signed enough players to temporary hardship contracts that Saturday’s game should go forward.
Even though the Rockets have superior depth, given current health and injury lists, Denver is likely to be favored for one big reason: Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic is healthy and ready to go.
It also remains to be seen how Stephen Silas will navigate back-to-back considerations, since the Rockets also played on New Year’s Eve in a home loss to Miami. Earlier in the week, Houston rested guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green for half of a back-to-back, since each is coming off a leg injury that sidelined them for multiple weeks.
Then again, perhaps this back-to-back is different, since both games are in Houston (meaning no in-between travel) and both young guards have improved their conditioning since making their initial returns. Silas indicated Friday he was hopeful of having Green and Porter available for both ends of this back-to-back, but that a final determination would not be made until evaluating them on Saturday.
Some good news: #Rockets are hopeful to have Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. available for both ends of this back-to-back, per Stephen Silas.
Will evaluate after tonight’s game to see, but the hope is that they will also play Saturday versus Denver.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 31, 2021
