The Houston Rockets will enter Saturday’s game at the Kaseya Center in Miami without five players listed on their injury report.
Steven Adams is out due to left ankle surgery, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate remain sidelined with ankle and knee sprains, respectively. Fred VanVleet will also miss the matchup as he continues recovery from right knee ACL repair, and two-way player Tristen Newton will not be available.
Miami will have a healthier roster, with Tyler Herro, Keshad Johnson, Pelle Larsson, Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, and Andrew Wiggins all listed as available despite minor injuries ranging from rib soreness to toe inflammation. Nikola Jovic and Norman Powell are out with lower back and groin issues, while Terry Rozier is not with the team.
The Rockets are coming off a 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic on February 26, boosting their Western Conference record to 37-21.
The team will rely heavily on Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, who are averaging 26.1 and 20.4 points per game, respectively, to carry the offensive load in the absence of key starters. Amen Thompson is also expected to maintain his role as a primary playmaker, averaging 17.3 points and 5.3 assists per game.
Miami enters the contest with a 31-29 record in the Eastern Conference, following a 117-124 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Herro leads the team in scoring with 21.2 points per game, while Bam Adebayo contributes 18.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per outing. Wiggins adds 16.1 points per game, providing experience and versatility on both ends of the floor.
Saturday’s tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
