In maybe the worst defeat of their 2024-25 marketing campaign so far, the Rockets misplaced their common season opener in October to lowly Charlotte Frelons. Taking part in at residence, Houston led by a minimum of 18 factors within the first half of this match.
Now, precisely two months later, the Rockets (19-9) have an opportunity to make up for it once they go to Charlotte (7-21) on Monday evening. It is the second recreation of a three-game street journey for the Rockets, who scored a comeback victory in Toronto on Sunday.
Underneath regular circumstances, that dynamic may lead the favourite to miss a lesser opponent just like the Hornets, however that is probably not the case right here – given this season-opening loss. Charlotte ought to have Houston’s full consideration, though it stays to be seen whether or not the Rockets can return to their common levels whereas touring the second evening of a back-to-back street.
Maybe an important particular person participant on this season-opening conflict was Charlotte’s Grant Williams, who thwarted Alperen Sengun within the second half. Williams is now misplaced for the season attributable to damage, which might make this a extra favorable matchup for Sengun and the Rockets.
The Hornets enter with extra relaxation, having not performed since Friday. Between more energizing legs and enjoying at residence, that would make it a tough matchup for the guests — though Charlotte has misplaced 4 straight and 12 of its final 13 total.
The way to watch
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Date: Monday December 23
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Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
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Location: Spectrum Heart, Charlotte
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Channel: House Metropolis House Community
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Stream: Fubo TV in native markets (free trial), NBA League Cross nationally
Workforce rankings
Statistical rankings among the many 30 NBA groupsfrom Sunday:
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Houston: No. 6 internet score (6.5), No. 14 offensive score (112.0), No. 2 defensive score (105.5)
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Charlotte: Internet Ranking #26 (-6.4), Offensive Ranking #26 (108.4), Defensive Ranking #22 (114.8)
Seemingly beginning lineups
Rockets (19-9):
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Fred VanVleet, No. 5, chief
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Jalen Inexperienced, #4, capturing guard
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Dillon Brooks, No. 9, small ahead
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Jabari Smith Jr., No. 10, energy ahead
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Alperen Sengun, n°28, middle
Hornets (7-21):
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LaMelo Ball, No. 1, level guard
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Seth Curry, #30, capturing guard
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Josh Inexperienced, No. 10, small ahead
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Miles Bridges, No. 0, energy ahead
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Mark Williams, #5, middle
Damage report
Topic to vary
Rockets:
The Rockets damage report is for Sunday’s recreation in Toronto. Due to these back-to-back occasions, Houston just isn’t required to launch Monday’s report till a number of hours earlier than tipoff.
Hornets:
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Brandon Miller, out, sprained left ankle
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Tre Mann, out, disc irritation
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Grant Williams, out, torn proper ACL
For Houston, Nate Williams and N’Faly Dante are wholesome however unavailable as they spend time with the membership’s G League affiliate. The identical goes for Charlotte’s Nick Smith Jr. and KJ Simpson.
Uniforms
Rockets:
Hornets:
Upcoming Video games for Rockets
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December 26 on the Pelicans
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December 27 towards the Timberwolves
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December 29 vs. Warmth
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January 1 vs. Mavericks
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January 3 towards the Celtics
Extra: As absence continues, Rockets verify soreness in Tari Eason’s surgically repaired leg
This text was initially printed on Rockets Wire: Rockets at Hornets, Dec. 23: The way to watch, stream, lineups, accidents
