Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - January 3rd, 2021 | NBA Season 2021-22
The Philadelphia 76ers will end a three-game road trip to head home and face the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center on January 3rd.
The Houston Rockets will head into this game on the back of a 124-111 loss against the Denver Nuggets. With their seventh loss in a row, the Rockets find themselves at 10-27 on the season.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be returning home, coming off a 110-102 win against the Brooklyn Nets. With three consecutive wins on the road, the Sixers also see their record improve to 19-16 on the season.
Houston Rockets Injury Report
The Houston Rockets will have a few names to mention in their injury report ahead of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Houston Rockets will see the absence of Armoni Brooks from the game due to health and safety protocols. He is joined by DeJon Jarreu for the same reason.
The side will also see Alperen Sengun out of the rotation. Sengun suffered a right ankle sprain and may be out for a longer duration. The status of Eric Gordon and Kevin Porter Jr. is questionable with a thigh injury. Their availability will be a game time decision.
#Rockets latest injury report has Garrison Mathews and DJ Augustin cleared protocols. However, Armoni Brooks is now out in health & safety protocols.
Alperen Sengun is out with the right ankle sprain and Eric Gordon is questionable with right hamstring tightness.
The Houston Rockets will also continue to keep John Wall out of the active rotation as the player and organization await the terms of a trade or buyout.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report
The Philadelphia 76ers had a severely decimated roster. However, with a number of pieces returning to the lineup, the Sixers injury report will be quite short ahead of the game against the Houston Rockets.
The only noteworthy addition on the injury report is Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle is expected to miss a week of action after contracting COVID-19. He will be joining Jaden Springer who is also in the health and safety protocol.
Tyler Johnson and Myles Powell were recent additions to the side who will also be on the Philadelphia 76ers injury report under health and safety protocols. Joel Embiid may also sit the game out to rest.
Matisse Thybulle is questionable for tomorrow’s game vs. #Rockets as he’s in the health and safety protocol.
Jaden Springer, also in the protocol, is listed as out. Danny Green is not on the injury report at all #Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers will also continue to see Ben Simmons out of the rotation. There has been no update on his status with the side.
Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Predicted Lineups
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets will have to make some significant changes to their roster ahead of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
While factoring in the injuries and potential absences, the Rockets may see DJ Augustin start in place of Kevin Porter Jr. at point guard. While also considering his actions at the game against the Denver Nuggets, the internal problems may have more serious consequences. Jalen Green will complete the backcourt for the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets may be significantly shorthanded in the small forward position with the questionable status of Eric Gordon and the sidelined Armoni Brooks. In this case, Garrison Mathews might start for the side. Jae'Sean Tate will continue to start at the power forward position while Christian Wood completes the frontcourt.
Off the bench, the Houston Rockets will hope to see significant contributions from David Nwaba, Kenyon Martin Jr. and Usman Garuba. Daniel Theis may also see significant minutes if Christian Wood is made to sit out.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have a pretty well established rotation for the most part. With Joel Embiid leading the frontcourt at center, the 76ers will have Tobias Harris join him at power forward.
Should Embiid be given the night off for rest, the 76ers will look to start Andre Drummond who is also finding his rhythm after returning from health and safety protocols.
Although the team will see Matisse Thybulle sidelined, they may look into starting either Danny Green or Georges Niang at the small forward position. Green is recovering from COVID-19 and may be eased back into the rotation.
The starting backcourt will see the pair of Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry lead the charge. With Shake Milton returning to the bench, the overall guard rotation for the Philadelphia 76ers is also solidified.
Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Predicted Starting 5’s
Houston Rockets
G - DJ Augustin | G - Jalen Green | F - Garrison Matthews | F - Jae'Sean Tate | C - Christian Wood
Philadelphia 76ers
G - Tyrese Maxey | G - Seth Curry | F - Georges Niang | F - Tobias Harris | C - Joel Embiid