Houston Rockets
Roster
Questionable — Day-To-Day
Ruled Out — Out
Ruled Out — Out
Ruled Out — Out
Recent official rulings
Reed Sheppard — Out
The combo guard is sitting out the front end of this back-to-back set. With Sheppard getting Friday night off, Tari Eason should be able to maintain a prominent role off the bench even if Alperen Sengun (back) returns to action.
Marcus Smart — Out
Smart has missed three consecutive games due to a left forearm strain, but he could return to action Friday. The veteran guard last played Oct. 23 against San Antonio, and his potential return would provide Houston with additional backcourt depth. If Smart remains sidelined, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Bruce Thornton could continue seeing increased opportunities.
Marcus Smart — Out
Although he remains day-to-day, Smart will be sidelined for a third straight contest. Look for Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason to continue seeing hefty roles off the Houston bench in the meantime.
Alperen Sengun — Out
Sengun is dealing with lower-back soreness and will miss his first game of the season, with his next chance to play coming Friday at Dallas. Tari Eason and Clint Capela are both candidates to see increased playing time in Sengun's stead.
Steven Adams — Out
The veteran big man can be considered week-to-week until the Rockets offer another update on his status. In the meantime, Clint Capela will likely see increased playing time behind Alperen Sengun.
Marcus Smart — Out
Smart was previously labeled as questionable for Houston. With Smart sidelined for a second straight contest, the Rockets could lean more on Reed Sheppard and Bogdan Bogdanovic. His next chance to play comes Wednesday against the Bucks.
Steven Adams — Out
Adams sat out Saturday's win over the Hawks in the second leg of a back-to-back set, though he's now being ruled out due to a right soleus strain. Clint Capela and Jabari Smith will likely see increased burn for as long as Adams is sidelined.
Marcus Smart — Out
Smart will be held out of the second leg of this back-to-back set due to a left forearm strain. The veteran guard will join Fred VanVleet (knee/rest) on the inactive list, opening up minutes for Reed Sheppard, Bruce Thornton and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Marcus Smart — Out
The veteran guard was a late addition to the injury report due to a left forearm strain. Both Smart and Reed Sheppard (knee) are in jeopardy of joining Fred VanVleet (knee/rest) on the inactive list for the second leg of this back-to-back set, so Bogdan Bogdanovic and Bruce Thornton could see increased playing time.
Steven Adams — Out
As expected, Adams will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set due to left ankle injury management. His next chance to play will come in Monday's rematch versus the Hawks. With the veteran big man out, Clint Capela will likely see a bump in minutes.
Fred VanVleet — Out
VanVleet will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set due to right knee injury management, though he'll likely be able to return for Monday's rematch with Atlanta. In the meantime, Marcus Smart and Reed Sheppard (knee), who is listed as questionable, are candidates for increased burn. If Sheppard is also ruled out, Bruce Thornton could join the rotation.
Fred VanVleet — Out
Head coach Ime Udoku told reporters this past Tuesday that VanVleet would be sidelined for one leg of back-to-back sets to open the season, per Will Guillory of The Athletic. Since the Rockets played Friday, VanVleet figures to observe Saturday's contest in street clothes, so Marcus Smart will likely enter the starting lineup alongside Amen Thompson in the backcourt. VanVleet played 32 minutes during Friday's 114-110 win over the Spurs and finished with 14 points (4-10 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five assists, three rebounds and three steals.
Reed Sheppard — Out
Sheppard was listed as doubtful and now we have official confirmation that he'll be inactive. With Sheppard unavailable, Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic will have the chance for some extra minutes.
Steven Adams — Out
Adams was questionable due to calf tightness. He has since been downgraded, with his next opportunity to suit up coming on Friday in San Antonio. Without Adams on the floor, Clint Capela will likely see more minutes behind Alperen Sengun.