After Detroit’s home win over Toronto on Saturday night, the historic 28-game losing streak for the Pistons (3-29) is no more.
So, as they start the 2024 calendar year with a New Year’s Day game at Houston’s Toyota Center on Monday, are Cade Cunningham and the Pistons primed for a letdown after that emotional win? Or do they finally have some semblance of momentum?
Jalen Green and the host Rockets (15-15) should have ample motivation, since they’ve lost three straight games and are hoping to avoid falling below .500 for the first time in nearly a month.
Green enters on something of a hot streak and historically comes out aggressive in matchups versus Cunningham, who was the only player picked ahead of Green in the 2021 NBA draft.
Houston is, however, still short-handed at its forward spots. Small forward Dillon Brooks remains sidelined by a right oblique strain for at least a few more days, while Jabari Smith Jr. — the usual starter at power forward — is questionable with a left ankle sprain.
The #Rockets upgraded Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) to questionable for Monday's game.
Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) remains out
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 31, 2023
When and How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Jan. 1
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (15-15)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Jeff Green
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Detroit Pistons (3-29)
- Guard: Cade Cunningham
- Guard: Jaden Ivey
- Forward: Bojan Bogdanovic
- Forward: Kevin Knox II
- Center: Jalen Duren
Injury reports
Houston’s report lists Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) and Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) as out, while Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) and Tari Eason (left lower leg soreness) are questionable. Eason has played through that designation in recent games. Nate Hinton, Jermaine Samuels Jr. and Nate Williams are in the G League.
Detroit is listing Monte Morris (right quadriceps strain) and Isaiah Stewart (right great toe sprain) as out, while Malcolm Cazalon, Jared Rhoden, and Stanley Umude are in the G League.
Jan. 1 uniform choices
- Rockets: Red Icon Edition
- Pistons: Black Statement Edition
Latest interviews
#Rockets vs Pistons tomorrow on Space City Home Network
Coach Ime Udoka said at practice today a lot of mental work needs to be done as the @HoustonRockets enter 2024 at 15-15 having lost 3 straight
Our coverage begins New Year's Day at 6:30PM pic.twitter.com/NC7yrcnP3h
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) December 31, 2023
Coach Udoka doesn’t want his team to be satisfied with their .500 record.
“No moral victories as far as the record so far.” pic.twitter.com/Me87Nysbc0
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) December 31, 2023
