The Houston Rockets own the NBA’s worst record. The San Antonio Spurs are only two games better. The former is currently on an 11-game losing streak, while the latter only recently ended a 16-game skid, which was the worst by any team in the league this season.
In a pair of matchups that could prove pivotal in the race for 2023 NBA draft positioning, these two Western Conference cellar dwellers will meet in back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday. The first meeting comes Saturday night in San Antonio.
On paper, there are reasons for the hosts to be optimistic. The Spurs are 2-0 versus Houston this season, with those coming by an average margin of 14 points, and they enter on a two-game win streak. Devonte’ Graham has been a spark in eight games since joining the Spurs, averaging 14.0 points and 4.4 assists in 28.1 minutes.
With nothing to play for in terms of playoff positioning, expect both sides to be cautious with any injury concerns during the back-to-back. For example, the Rockets may limit minutes for starting guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green following recent injuries.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, March 4
- Time: 7 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 (13-49)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
San Antonio Spurs (16-47)
- Guard: Devonte’ Graham
- Guard: Malaki Branham
- Forward: Keita Bates-Diop
- Forward: Jeremy Sochan
- Center: Zach Collins
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Jae’Sean Tate as out for the first game of the back-to-back, citing right ankle injury maintenance. TyTy Washington is questionable due to an illness.
San Antonio is listing Doug McDermott (right thumb sprain), Isaiah Roby (right ankle sprain), Devin Vassell (left knee injury management), and Khem Birch (right knee chondromalacia) as out.
Romeo Langford (left adductor tightness) and Malaki Branham (low back contusion) are questionable, while Keldon Johnson (left foot sprain) is doubtful to play for the Spurs.
