Portland will be without Damian Lillard and Shaedon Sharpe for Friday’s matchup at Houston, while Deni Avdija is listed as doubtful with a lower back issue. Kris Murray remains questionable due to illness, and G League assignments sideline Jayson Kent, Caleb Love, and Hansen Yang.
The Rockets are missing Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet due to surgery and ACL recovery, respectively, with Jae’Sean Tate sidelined by a right knee sprain. Amen Thompson is questionable with a right ankle sprain, and Tristen Newton is inactive as a two-way player.
Portland’s rotation will rely heavily on Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Donovan Clingan. Camara has averaged 12.9 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Grant contributes 18.8 points per game. Clingan leads the team in rebounding at 11.5 per contest, and Holiday adds 16.6 points with 6.3 assists.
Houston will look to Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun for scoring and playmaking. Durant leads the Rockets with 26.2 points per game, while Sengun posts 20.4 points and 9.1 rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. adds 15.3 points per game, and Amen Thompson averages 17.4 points, though his status is uncertain.
The Trail Blazers and Rockets have split their season series, with Portland winning two of three games, including a narrow 103-102 victory at home on January 7. Houston claimed a decisive 140-116 win in November at Toyota Center.
Portland is coming off a 122-114 win over Memphis on March 4, snapping a 34-point loss to Atlanta, while Houston fell 115-113 in overtime to Golden State on March 5 after a 123-118 road win against Washington.
Friday’s contest is set for 8:00 PM ET at Toyota Center in Houston. Portland aims to maintain momentum and improve their 30-33 record, while the Rockets, sitting at 38-23, seek a bounce-back at home.
