The Houston Rockets visit the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, January 1, at Barclays Center with tip-off set for 6:00 p.m. ET. Houston enters with a 20-10 record, while Brooklyn sits at 10-20 this season.
Key Rockets injuries include Steven Adams (right ankle sprain), Clint Capela (illness), Tari Eason (illness), and Alperen Sengun (left soleus strain), all listed as questionable. Fred VanVleet is out following right knee ACL surgery, while Isaiah Crawford and Tyler Smith are inactive on two-way contracts.
Houston’s lineup has relied on Kevin Durant, who is averaging 25.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Sengun has contributed 22.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over 26 games. Amen Thompson adds 17.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, providing key playmaking and perimeter defense.
The Brooklyn Nets will be missing several rotation players. Egor Demin (lower back soreness), Haywood Highsmith (right knee surgery), and multiple two-way players are out. Terance Mann (right hip contusion) and Michael Porter Jr. (illness) are listed as questionable.
Houston defeated Brooklyn 137-109 in their only matchup this season on October 27.
