The Houston Rockets will take on the Portland Trail Blazers for the second time this week alone on Friday night. The Rockets will certainly try to do a better job of defending Blazers star Deni Avdija than they did in the first matchup of the week between the two teams, when he went off for 41 points while converting 13 shots from the floor and earning himself 15 trips to the charity stripe.
For as surprisingly competitive as the Trail Blazers have been this season, barring a similarly spectacular scoring showing from Avdija, it’s hard to envision Portland picking up yet another win over a vastly more talented Rockets squad.
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Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 22-12 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ sixth-place slot.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets shoots against Donovan Clingan #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in the NBA Emirates Cup at Toyota Center on November 22, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Portland Trail Blazers are the owners of an 18-20 record and a four-game winning streak, good enough for ninth place in the Western Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston lost to the Trail Blazers (103-102) on the road.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in the NBA Emirates Cup at Toyota Center on November 22, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Portland beat the Rockets (103-102) at home.
Injuries
For Houston, Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain) is out, Isaiah Crawford (illness) is out and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.
Nov 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) drives with the ball as Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
For Portland, Jrue Holiday (right calf strain) is doubtful, Jerami Grant (left Achilles tendonitis) 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 out.
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Probable starting lineups – Houston
Nov 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) shoots the ball as Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – PortlandHere’s when you should tune in to see the game:
TV Channel: Space City Home Network
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets at Blazers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (1/9)