Playing in front of home fans and in his first game as a starting center, rookie Jabari Smith Jr. flourished (21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks) on Monday night versus Utah. He helped lead the Houston Rockets to their first victory of the 2022-23 regular season.
On Wednesday, Smith and the Rockets will get a chance to repeat the feat against the same opponent, which could make for a favorable matchup in the frontcourt. This time, however, Houston is tasked with silencing the Jazz in the high altitude of Salt Lake City.
Sharpshooting forward Lauri Markkanen is arguably Utah’s most accomplished player, but he struggled Monday versus Houston’s undersized frontcourt of Smith, KJ Martin and Eric Gordon, shooting just 7-of-19 from the field (36.8%) and 0-of-6 on 3-pointers. Whether Houston can replicate that defensive effort on the road versus the young seven-footer will be a key variable in the final outcome.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 26
- Time: 8 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (1-3)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Eric Gordon
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Center: Jabari Smith Jr.
Utah Jazz (3-1)
- Guard: Mike Conley
- Guard: Jordan Clarkson
- Forward: Lauri Markkanen
- Forward: Kelly Olynyk
- Center: Jarred Vanderbilt
Lineups for both the Rockets and Jazz are based on Monday’s game versus the same opponent.
Injury reports
Houston’s latest injury report continues to list Bruno Fernando (left knee soreness), TyTy Washington (left knee sprain), and Alperen Sengun (illness) as out. Jae’Sean Tate (left ankle soreness) is listed as questionable, but he is expected to play and make his 2022-23 regular-season debut, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Utah’s injury report is again listing Udoka Azubuike (right ankle surgery) as the home team’s only absence.
