Rockets vs Spurs: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs

Date & Time: Monday, December 16, 2019, 8:00 PM ET (Tuesday, 1:00 AM GMT)

Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas

Preview-

The last time these two teams met, the game went into second period of over time with the Rockets ruing over a disallowed James Harden dunk. The game, in fact, acted as a prequel to a series of three more thrillers. Coming into Monday’s game, Spurs have played an NBA record four consecutive games into over time. The Spurs managed to hold their nerve on three of the four occasions, with the latest win over Phoenix coming from a dramatic three pointer by  Patty Mills that was shot with 0.3 seconds left on the clock. The Spurs are currently will 11th in the Western Conference with a win-loss record of 10-15. They will be looking to add another win to their season, with a thriller or otherwise.

However, the Rockets will have a few things to prove after what happened at the start of the month in the San Antonio. They were reported to be appealing for the final few minutes of that game to be replayed. For the Rockets, Monday’s match will be nothing less than a rematch. A win will take them to 18 wins in the season and a possible third place in the Western Conference.

Injury updates & team news-

Houston Rockets-

Injuries: Austin Rivers (Finger sprain)- Probable, Nene (Hip)- Out, Eric Gordon (Knee)- Out, Gerald Green (Foot)- Out

Expected starting line up: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Danuel house, PJ Tucker, Clint Capela

San Antonio Spurs-

Injuries: Lonnie Walker IV (Knee contusion)- Questionable

Expected starting line up: Bryn Forbes, Dejounte Murray, Trey Lyles, DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge

Predictions-

Spurs victory at the start of the month over the Rocket was coined as an upset and it doesn’t seem to be anything different this time around. Harden, who was kept relatively quiet in that match, will be looking to continue his scoring spree. Westbrook is starting to settle into the Rockets and the improvements in his numbers are expected to continue.

As for the Spurs, the likes of Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan might come good, but will find it difficult against a pumped Rockets side.