Jesse Cinquini
| Rockets Wire
The Houston Rockets will look to continue their winning ways when they take on a Portland Trail Blazers team that’s been quietly solid, even with some of its best players on the shelf.
The Trail Blazers have been able to keep their heads above water in the Wild West because forward Deni Avdija has firmly staked his claim as a star at the highest level — he’s averaging 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game — and Tiago Splitter has filled in admirably for Chauncey Billups as their interim head coach. However, they’ve struggled at home all season, and that fact is going to come back to bite them on Wednesday night.
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 22-11 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fifth-place slot.
The Portland Trail Blazers are the owners of a 17-20 record and a three-game winning streak, good enough for ninth place in the Western Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston beat the Phoenix Suns (100-97) at home.
Portland beat the Utah Jazz (137-117) at home.
Injuries
For Houston, Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain) is out, Isaiah Crawford (illness) is out and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.
For Portland, Jrue Holiday (right calf strain) is out, Jerami Grant (left Achilles) is out, Damian Lillard (injury management – left Achilles tendon) is out, Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear) is out, Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy) is out, Blake Wesley (right foot fracture) is out and Kris Murray (low back soreness) is doubtful.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
Amen ThompsonTari EasonKevin DurantJabari Smith Jr.Steven AdamsProbable starting lineups – PortlandDeni AvdijaShaedon SharpeKris MurrayToumani CamaraDonovan ClinganHere’s when you should tune in to see the game:Date: Jan. 7, 2026Time: 9:00 p.m. CT TV Channel: Space City Home NetworkLive Stream: Fubo (watch for free)