The Rockets were 3-1 in the 2022-23 preseason, with their best victory a 16-point decision over the veteran-laden Raptors. Unfortunately, with six losses in their last seven games, the start to the regular season has been much less kind to Houston’s young squad.
That dynamic could be on full display when Fred VanVleet leads his winning team in a matchup against Kevin Porter Jr. and the struggling Rockets on Wednesday night in Toronto.
The good news for the Rockets is despite their lowly record, they come in with some momentum after Monday’s win in Orlando. Second-year guard Jalen Green dropped an efficient 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting (66.7%) and 5-of-11 on 3-pointers (45.5%), while big man Alperen Sengun added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Raptors enter Wednesday’s game after splitting a home-and-home series versus Chicago, with the home team winning both. VanVleet led the Raptors in scoring in each outing against the Bulls with 30 and 27 points, respectively.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, Nov. 9
- Time: 6:30 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 (2-9)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Eric Gordon
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Toronto Raptors (6-5)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Gary Trent Jr.
- Forward: O.G. Anunoby
- Forward: Scottie Barnes
- Center: Christian Koloko
Projected lineups are based on each team’s most recent game.
Injury reports
Houston’s latest injury report lists Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness) and Bruno Fernando (left knee soreness) as out. Toronto will be without Pascal Siakam (right adductor strain), Khem Birch (right knee soreness), and Justin Champagnie (lower back soreness).
