The young and rebuilding Houston Rockets have owned the NBA’s worst record for most of the 2022-23 season, and now they’ve allowed a combined 293 points over their last two games. Frustration appears to be boiling over for head coach Stephen Silas.
With an immediate home rematch looming Wednesday versus the Kings, who run one of the league’s most potent offenses, will Houston respond defensively following harsh criticism by its coach?
With Silas in his third season as head coach and in the final guaranteed year of his contract, general manager Rafael Stone and owner Tilman Fertitta will soon have a decision to make regarding Silas’ future.
How the team responds to Silas’ increasingly firm rhetoric — and whether players and the collective units can improve upon their weaknesses as the season winds down — could play a key role in what the Rockets choose to do after yet another frustrating season.
Jae’Sean Tate on Stephen Silas’ anger w/the Rockets’ effort on defense last night:”He was completely right..Film doesn’t lie.Seeing our body language,our posture,is a wake-up call..Film shows we have a lot more gears and levels that we can get to.We’re hoping to do that tomorrow” pic.twitter.com/zZpN1ivqWF
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 7, 2023
Wednesday will also be Houston’s final game before Thursday’s in-season trade deadline for the NBA’s 2022-23 campaign.
For veteran guard Eric Gordon, now in his seventh season with the Rockets, could this be his final game with the team? Time will tell.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 8
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (13-41)
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Sacramento Kings (29-22)
- Guard: De’Aaron Fox
- Guard: Kevin Huerter
- Forward: Harrison Barnes
- Forward: Keegan Murray
- Center: Domantas Sabonis
Projected lineups are based on each team’s prior game.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Kevin Porter Jr. as out with a left foot contusion, which has cost him approximately one month and counting of game action. Garrison Mathews (left big toe soreness) is questionable after missing Monday’s game, though he did practice on Tuesday.
Sacramento’s injury report is clean.
Garrison Mathews at practice after missing last night with a toe injury. pic.twitter.com/SmB0xtB17r
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 7, 2023
