Jan. 1, 2026, 12:23 p.m. CT
The Houston Rockets will make the trip to New York City’s Barclays Center to face off with the Brooklyn Nets as the Rockets start off on a brief two-game road trip this Friday (Jan. 1, 2026) evening. Houston will be looking to sustain their recent run of wins in the process, and ought not to have too tough of a time doing so given where the Nets are placing their priorities for the season (developing younger players, and through that, the value of their draft assets).
Still, as is always the case, disrespecting an opponent in the NBA runs the risk of an upset (as recent Nets wins vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors attest), but we do not expect such an outcome for this contest, and expect the Rockets to win fairly easily so long as injury does not derail the tilt.
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 20-10 record and a three-game win streak, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fourth-place slot.
The Nets are the owners of a 10-20 record, good enough for the 13th-place spot in the East.
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Houston beat the Indiana Pacers 126-119 at home.
Brooklyn lost to the Golden State Warriors 120-107, also at home.
Injuries
For Houston, Alperun Sengun (calf), Tari Eason (illness), Clint Capela (illness) and Steven Adams (ankle) are questionable, and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.
For Brooklyn, Egor Demin (back), Haywood Highsmith (knee), and Terance Mann (hip) are out, and Michael Porter Jr. (illness) is questionable.
Probable starting lineups – HoustonAmen ThompsonKevin DurantJosh OkogieJabari Smith Jr.Alperun Sengun