With very little at stake for both teams, the 2019-20 NBA regular season will conclude on Friday night with a nationally televised game between the Houston Rockets (44-27) and Philadelphia 76ers (42-30).
All-Star guards Russell Westbrook (right quad strain) and Ben Simmons (knee surgery) are out for Friday, and both are expected to miss at least a portion of the playoffs with their injuries. But with the playoffs only a few days away, they may not be the only rotation regulars sitting out.
The Rockets are locked into the No. 4 versus No. 5 matchup against Oklahoma City in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, while the 76ers are set at No. 6 in the East. On Thursday night’s injury report, the Sixers listed All-Star center Joel Embiid (left ankle) and forward Glenn Robinson III (left hip) as questionable to play.
The Rockets did not list anyone other than Westbrook on their status report, but head coach Mike D’Antoni suggested after Wednesday’s game that some veterans could rest or play limited minutes, if needed.
Russell Westbrook is the only name on today's #Rockets injury report (for Friday's game).
Note: I do not think this means everyone else will play, I'd guess that some veterans will rest or be limited. But I do think it's good news on the House/Tucker injury fronts. #OneMission
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) August 13, 2020
One Rockets veteran who is expected to get significant minutes is Eric Gordon. Since Gordon missed Houston’s first six games at the NBA “bubble” with a left ankle sprain, the Rockets are letting him use the final two seeding games to work his way back into form before the playoffs.
The efficiency of Gordon, a 6-foot-3 guard, may now be even more important to the Rockets in the aftermath of Westbrook’s injury.
While the Rockets do know their first-round opponent, they don’t yet know their seed. While being at No. 4 or No. 5 is far less relevant than usual due to the lack of home-court advantage at the fan-less bubble, there are incremental advantages (such as money) on the line.
The Rockets would be the No. 4 if they defeat the 76ers on Friday and the Thunder lose to the Clippers. Otherwise, they will be No. 5.
There is a minor financial component for how seeds 4/5 (Houston/OKC and Miami/Indy) shake out.
Ex: If OKC and MIA finish with the 4 seed, there is more $$$ to distribute between players and staff.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 13, 2020
In the only other meeting this season, Houston claimed a 118-108 victory over the Sixers on Jan. 3. In that game, the Rockets were led by a 44-point triple-double from All-Star guard and MVP finalist James Harden.
Friday’s regular-season finale tips off at 8:00 p.m. Central, with a national broadcast on ESPN and a regional version (with Houston announcers) on AT&T SportsNet Southwest. It can also be streamed via NBA League Pass, as well as via the ESPN and AT&T mobile apps for subscribers.
Both the Rockets and 76ers will learn their playoff schedules shortly after Friday’s finale, with Game 1 of all series set for Monday and Tuesday.
