The Houston Rockets have a great measuring-stick game looming, as they are set to take on a vaunted Detroit Pistons squad on Friday. Detroit has been the cream of the crop in the Eastern Conference this season and is beating teams by committee — 12 players are averaging 16-plus minutes of action per contest.
Detroit has lost just four games at Little Caesars Arena so far in the 2025-26 campaign, and when also factoring in the Rockets’ road woes, it’s evident that Houston is going to need to be at the top of its game in order to come out on top. Rockets fans should unfortunately brace for the team to pick up a loss.
Advertisement
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 26-16 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fourth-place slot.
The Pistons are the owners of a 32-10 record, good enough for tops in the Eastern Conference.
Jan 22, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on during overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime (128-122) on the road.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 13: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts while speaking with Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center on January 13, 2026 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Detroit beat the New Orleans Pelicans (112-104) on the road.
Injuries
For Detroit, Cade Cunningham (left hip contusion; illness) is questionable, Ron Holland II (illness) is probable, Duncan Robinson (low back sprain) is probable and Caris LeVert (illness) is doubtful.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons is trapped by Steven Adams #12 and Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets in the first half of the game at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
For Houston, Aaron Holiday (back spasms) has an unclear status, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out and Steven Adams (left ankle sprain) is out.
Advertisement
Probable starting lineups – Houston
Jan 22, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) passes the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Detroit
Oct 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Here’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 Pistons: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (1/23)