The NBA All-Star break is firmly in the rearview mirror. That means the Houston Rockets are officially in the home stretch of their season, and they’ll play their first game in more than a week versus a red-hot Charlotte Hornets team.
Behind a dynamic offensive attack, Charlotte has been one of the NBA’s biggest positive surprise this season. A team that was projected to once again be among the league’s bottom-feeders finds itself in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Consequently, expect the Rockets to come up short of a win on Thursday on the road.
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Records, standing, and streaks
Feb 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts to his basket against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
At present, the Rockets have a 33-20 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fourth-place slot.
The Hornets are the owners of a 26-29 record, good enough for ninth in the Eastern Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Feb 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) talks with guard Reed Sheppard (15) after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston lost to the Los Angeles Clippers (105-102) at home.
Charlotte beat the Atlanta Hawks (110-107) at home.
Injuries
Feb 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) on the bench during a timeout against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
For Charlotte, Miles Bridges (league suspension) is out, Moussa Diabete (league suspension) is out, Liam McNeeley (left ankle sprain) is out and Coby White (left calf strain) is out.
For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out and Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out.
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Probable starting lineups – Houston
Feb 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Charlotte
Dec 23, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Rockets guard forward Amen Thompson (1) looks to pass through the defense of Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball (1) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
TV Channel: Space City Home Network
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Hornets: Stream, lineups, injury reports and more