The Houston Rockets kick off the final road trip of their 2021-22 season when they visit Brooklyn at Barclays Center on Tuesday night. The Nets will be led by their superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who is now eligible to play in home games due to a recent change in New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine policy for the private sector.
Based on those two future Hall of Famers, Brooklyn is a clear favorite. But Houston has a rising star of its own in Jalen Green, who is currently just the third NBA rookie in at least the past 40 years to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games. With the historic feat, Green joins Michael Jordan from 1985 and Allen Iverson in 1997.
Tuesday’s game is also fascinating for the Rockets from a 2022 NBA draft perspective. Houston is currently tied with Orlando for the league’s worst record and the best possible positioning entering the draft lottery. Yet, a win in Brooklyn wouldn’t be as harmful as most — since the Rockets also own the first-round pick of the Nets, and a Brooklyn loss could reduce their odds of ultimately making the 2022 playoffs.
When and How to Watch
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Date: Tuesday, April 5
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Time: 6:30 p.m. Central
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TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
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Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (20-59)
Brooklyn Nets (40-38)
Both lineups are based on each team’s latest game notes.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report again lists veterans Eric Gordon, Christian Wood, and Dennis Schroder as out (primarily for resting). Two-way players Trevelin Queen and Anthony Lamb remain in the G League.
For the Nets, Bruce Brown (illness) is probable, while Seth Curry (left ankle soreness) and James Johnson (illness) are listed as questionable. Goran Dragic (health and safety protocols), Joe Harris (left ankle surgery), and Ben Simmons (back) are confirmed to be out.
Brooklyn is on a back-to-back, so Steve Nash may have to be mindful of minutes for some of his key veterans, since they have another game on Wednesday night. Houston does not play again until Friday.
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