The Houston Rockets (1-9) own the NBA’s worst record after six straight losses. But they have an opportunity to change that with Monday’s visit to another young and rebuilding club. The Orlando Magic (2-8) are only one game better.
Despite the lowly records, it should be an entertaining game, since both teams are loaded with top prospects from high in the first round of both the 2021 and 2022 NBA draft classes.
Orlando features Jalen Suggs in the backcourt, and Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the frontcourt. Houston counters with Jalen Green at guard, and Alperen Sengun and rookies Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason on the front line. For those types of players, it’s a showcase game versus many of their young peers, with all looking for a career breakthrough.
Smith missed Houston’s previous game — a loss in Minnesota on Saturday — while ill, but he is listed as probable to return for Monday’s matchup versus another top rookie (Banchero) in Orlando.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Nov. 7
- Time: 6:15 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 (1-9)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Eric Gordon
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Orlando Magic (2-8)
- Guard: Jalen Suggs
- Guard: Franz Wagner
- Forward: Bol Bol
- Forward: Paolo Banchero
- Center: Wendell Carter Jr.
These projected lineups are mostly based on each team’s latest game notes, with the exception of Smith (who missed Houston’s last game due to illness) replacing Martin due to a return to health.
Injury reports
Houston’s latest injury report lists Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), and Bruno Fernando (left knee soreness) as out. TyTy Washington, who has missed the 2022-23 regular season to date with a left knee sprain, is upgraded to questionable. Jabari Smith Jr. (illness) and Jalen Green (left knee contusion) are probable.
On the other side, Orlando will be without Cole Anthony (right internal oblique tear), Markelle Fultz (left big toe fracture), Moritz Wagner (right midfoot sprain), and Gary Harris and Jonathan Isaac, both due to left knee injury recovery.
