After Monday’s win over Minnesota, the brutal and NBA-worst losing streak for the Rockets is history. Now, as middling Washington heads to Houston two nights later, the home team suddenly finds itself with a realistic chance to launch a winning streak.
For surging Jalen Green and the rest of the Rockets, it’s the midpoint of a three-game homestand at Toyota Center, with the finale looming Thursday versus Cleveland. For Bradley Beal and the Wizards, it’s the second night of a Texas back-to-back after winning at Dallas on Tuesday.
Ever since Kevin Porter Jr. went out on Jan. 11 with a left foot injury, the emergence and higher usage of second-year center Alperen Sengun has become a leading storyline for the Rockets.
Today, with Green registering two 40-plus point games in his last three outings, including a career-high 42 on Monday versus the Timberwolves, an argument can clearly be made that the change in offensive style is helping to improve surrounding players, as well.
Over seven games since Jan. 11, Green is averaging 28.2 points and 3.5 assists for the Rockets on 46.9% shooting and 38.6% on 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Sengun is averaging 19.4 points (67.9% FG), 10.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game over that same period.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 25
- Time: 7 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 (11-36)
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Tari Eason
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Washington Wizards (21-26)
- Guard: Monte Morris
- Guard: Bradley Beal
- Forward: Corey Kispert
- Forward: Kyle Kuzma
- Center: Daniel Gafford
Projected lineups are based on each team’s prior game.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) as out and Jabari Smith Jr. (right ankle sprain) as questionable.
Washington will not issue its official report until a few hours prior to tipoff, owing to them being on the second night of a back-to-back. On Tuesday in Dallas, Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle sprain) was out.
