For the first time, the Rockets are in the NBA’s abbreviated postseason at its annual summer league in Las Vegas. Based on a 4-0 start, Houston is one of four teams advancing to the playoffs, which consist of Sunday’s semifinals and Monday’s championship.
To get to Monday’s title game, summer-league head coach Ben Sullivan (lead assistant to Ime Udoka, in the regular season) needs to guide his young squad past a Utah Jazz group that has found similar success in Las Vegas — as shown by a matching 4-0 record.
The Rockets will again be short-handed, with rookie guard Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) sidelined. But in their absence, rookie prospect Cam Whitmore and two-way players Trevor Hudgins and Darius Days have picked up the slack and then some.
Based on lineups a few days ago, it looked like this matchup could become a star-studded rookie showdown between Whitmore and Utah’s Keyonte George, who was drafted a few picks prior to Whitmore at No. 16 overall in the 2023 first round. George has also excelled in Las Vegas as part of a strong start to his young career.
However, like Thompson, George is dealing with an ankle sprain and is now out for the remainder of summer league. That could present a clear path for Houston to advance to the title game.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, July 16
- Time: 5:00 p.m. CDT
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free) or via Watch ESPN, with active subscription
Potential starting lineups
These are based on each team’s latest summer-league game.
Houston Rockets (4-0)
- Guard: Trevor Hudgins
- Guard: Cam Whitmore
- Forward: Nate Hinton
- Forward: Darius Days
- Center: Jermaine Samuels Jr.
Utah Jazz (4-0)
- Guard: Johnny Juzang
- Guard: Colbey Ross
- Forward: Keshawn Justice
- Forward: Luka Samanic
- Center: Micah Potter
Injury/status reports
Houston is again without Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) on Sunday afternoon, and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) are out, as well. Big man Jay Huff left the summer-league team after reportedly signing a contract with another team.
2023 summer league playoffs bracket
The NBA Summer League semifinals are set.
1. Cavs vs. 4. Nets
2. Rockets vs. 3. Jazz pic.twitter.com/pQ33ZsAPIL— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 15, 2023
Rockets’ complete 2023 summer league roster
Headlined by top rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, the #Rockets released their complete roster for the NBA’s 2023 summer league in Las Vegas. Their first game is Friday, July 7. https://t.co/1aKzRpyHHK
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 4, 2023
Recaps of previous games
Thursday was the best game yet for rookie Cam Whitmore (26 points, 8 steals), who helped the summer #Rockets (4-0) stay unbeaten while clinching one of the NBA’s four playoff berths. https://t.co/FnqhOhSjJp
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 14, 2023
