:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57764817/usa_today_9812840.0.jpg)
The Houston Rockets take on the 7-12 Brooklyn Nets tonight at the Toyota Center, with both teams coming into the contest slightly banged up.
The Rockets are down Nene and Zhou Qi.
In addition to Nene (strained right shoulder), Zhou Qi (sore left calf) listed as out for Rockets vs. Nets. As mentioned yesterday, would have only been recalled if could not play for Vipers tonight.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 27, 2017
While the Nets are dealing with a laundry list of injuries and illness on their side.
Nets injury situation could be worse than we thought vs. Rockets tonight. In addition to missing Lin and Russell, new injuries to Allen Crabbe (sore lower back) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (sprained right ankle), DeMarre Carroll (upper respiratory) is questionable.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 27, 2017
DeMarre Carroll, who was questionable to play for the Nets against the Rockets tonight, ruled out with an upper respiratory condition.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 27, 2017
The Rockets are rolling since Chris Paul returned to the lineup, and in their last game against the New York Knicks, we even saw the emergence of Home Ryno, as Ryan Anderson, who was moved to the bench, came off of said pine for 17 points and 7 rebounds in his best game at the Toyota Center in recent memory. As a result, he’ll be back in the starting lineup tonight, in what could be a fluid situation all season.
Per MDA, Ryan Anderson will move back into the starting lineup tonight against the Nets.
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) November 27, 2017
It’s a great situation to be in to have that much roster flexibility and players who don’t care if they’re starting or reserves and can contribute anyway. It’s part of the reason the Rockets are 15-4 and have won their last four games in a row.
They’ll be looking for their fifth consecutive win and should have a good chance to get it versus the shorthanded Nets provided they don’t take the game lightly.
We have a 7pm CST tip, so see you there.
Go Rockets!