Overview
- Tipoff is 7 p.m. Pacific at Moda Center in the first of two meetings in Portland this week.
- Houston is 22-11 to Portland's 17-20 with the Rockets favored at -6.5 and -265 on the moneyline, per DraftKings.
- The Rockets will be without All-Star center Alperen Şengün due to a right ankle sprain expected to sideline him 10 to 14 days, with Fred VanVleet and Isaiah Crawford also out.
- Portland lists Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, Jrue Holiday and Blake Wesley out, with Kris Murray doubtful.
- Kevin Durant hit a game-winning three on Monday and is nearing major career milestones, while Deni Avdija earned Western Conference Player of the Week during Portland's 5-of-6 run.