With rookie Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) all expected to sit out for the remainder of the NBA’s 2023 summer league, Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore should get more of a featured role during Houston’s remaining three games from Las Vegas.
That closing stretch starts Tuesday with a matchup against what could be one of the NBA’s strongest summer league rosters, depending on who the Oklahoma City Thunder choose to play.
Because the Thunder (1-0) are only on their second game in Las Vegas and not a third like the Rockets, that could make Oklahoma City more likely to play NBA veterans on its roster such as Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, Ousmane Dieng, and Tre Mann. As of publication time, the Thunder had yet to indicate their plans.
As for Whitmore and the Rockets, the Villanova product (drafted No. 20 overall in the 2023 first round) has fared well, having averaged 17.5 points (41.2% FG, 30.8% on 3-pointers) and 6.0 rebounds in 30.8 minutes. But his average of 17 shot attempts could now potentially creep into the 20s, which is what Smith and Eason had averaged as Houston’s leading options during a 2-0 start to summer league.
Forward Darius Days and guard Trevor Hudgins, who were each on two-way contracts with the Rockets last season and are still on them at the moment, could also now see their roles increase.
Since both the Rockets and Thunder are still undefeated, each remains very much in the running for a potential berth in the 2023 summer league playoffs. Houston’s suddenly weakened roster, however, might ultimately prove to reduce its chances of doing that.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, July 9
- Time: 5:30 p.m. CDT
- TV Channel: NBA TV
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free) or via NBA.com, with active subscription
Potential starting lineups
These are primarily based on the most recent summer-league game for both teams, while also accounting for known absences since.
Houston Rockets (2-0)
- Guard: Trevor Hudgins
- Guard: Cam Whitmore
- Forward: Nate Hinton
- Forward: Darius Days
- Center: Jay Huff
Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0)
- Guard: Tre Mann
- Guard: Cason Wallace
- Forward: Ousmane Dieng
- Forward: Jaylin Williams
- Center: Chet Holmgren
Injury/status reports
The Rockets were without Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) on Sunday, and they will likely be without Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) for the remainder of summer league in Las Vegas.
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
2023 Houston Rockets summer league schedule
Assuming health, Amen Thompson and the summer-league #Rockets will open play in July with a nationally televised matchup versus Scoot Henderson’s Trail Blazers. https://t.co/0TnQp5AmAF
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) June 23, 2023
