The Houston Rockets are back in action tonight against their Texas rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, in the first of their two consecutive games. They face off at the AT&T Center at 7:30 pm EST.

The Rockets come into this clash after a huge roster update. After months of dragging on, they finally traded away James Harden. He had issued a goodbye message after their loss against the Lakers, and the Rockets decided they will not keep him any longer.

The Spurs are coming off a lot less drama and a win against the Thunder. With multiple players missing, the young Thunder team gave the Spurs a run for their money, but Gregg Popovich’s men managed to win by 10 points.

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Houston Rockets expected lineup

While the Rockets have lost Harden now, there are multiple other absentees for tonight’s clash as well. Brodric Thomas (Ankle) and Danuel House (COVID-19) will continue to stay on the sidelines. John Wall (Knee) is also out for the game, while Eric Gordon is listed as questionable following a lower leg injury. Finally, new trade acquisition Victor Oladipo will also miss the game as he is yet to join the team.

So their lineup could feature Eric Gordon and Ben McLemore as their guards, David Nwaba and P. J. Tucker as their forwards, while Christian Wood starts as their center.

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San Antonio Spurs expected lineup

The Spurs also have a few players who are set to miss the game. Quinndary Weatherspoon (Knee), Derrick White (Toe), Drew Eubanks (COVID-19) are confirmed to be out for the game. After missing their last two games, DeMar DeRozan has been listed as questionable now and could make a return.

So the Spurs lineup will have Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker IV as their guards, DeMar DeRozan and Keldon Johnson as their forwards, and LaMarcus Aldridge as their center.

Predictions

With the Rockets looking depleted for the game, the Spurs come in as the favorites to win. Prior to his injury, DeRozan was averaging 21.2 points per game, while shooting a surprising 39% from three. So his return will be a big boost for them. The Rockets are lacking firepower and morale so the Spurs could take advantage of that.

Unless Wood goes berserk and the Rockets are able to stop DeMar, the Spurs should be able to come away with a win.

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