The Houston Rockets are at home on Friday night as they host the Portland Trail Blazers in a Western Conference matchup.
Houston enters Friday’s contest with a 38-23 record after losing at home to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
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Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15)Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Reed Sheppard led the way for the Rockets in Thursday’s loss as he ended the game with 30 points, three rebounds and six assists off the bench while Kevin Durant recorded 23 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Now Houston will try to bounce back on Friday as they face off against the Trail Blazers in a tough home matchup.
On the other side, Portland enters Friday’s game with a 30-33 record after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies on the road on Wednesday night.
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Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5)Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
In Wednesday’s victory over the Grizzlies, Jrue Holiday led the way for the Trail Blazers as he recorded 35 points, five rebounds and 11 assists while Jerami Grant added 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists of his own.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Friday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Trail Blazers Injury Report, Will Deni Avdija, Kris Murray Play?
For the Trail Blazers, they have four players listed on their injury report, including both Deni Avdija and Kris Murray.
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Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
Portland has listed Avdija as doubtful due to low back injury management and he is expected to miss his sixth consecutive contest.
With Avdija likely to be sidelined once again, Scoot Henderson and Vit Krejci could both be in line for increased roles.
© Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
(© Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images)
The Trail Blazers have listed Murray as questionable due to an illness and there is a chance he could return after missing Wednesday’s victory.
Shaedon Sharpe has been ruled out due to a left fibula stress reaction while Damain Lillard remains sidelined while recovering from a torn Achilles.
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Rockets Injury Report, Will Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. Play?
On the other side, the Rockets have five players listed on their injury report, including both Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Houston has listed Thompson as questionable due to a right ankle injury, though he was able to play through it in Thursday’s loss.
If Thompson is sidelined, Sheppard and Josh Okogie could both be in line for increased roles.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10)Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
The Rockets have also listed Smith Jr. as questionable due to a right ankle sprain that kept him out of two games before returning on Thursday night.
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Jae’Sean Tate, Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet have been ruled out as they continue to recover from injuries while Dorian Finney-Smith is off the injury report and will return after missing Thursday’s game due to injury management.
Fans can catch Friday night’s matchup between the Trail Blazers and Rockets from Houston at 8:00 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.