Feb. 23, 2026, 10:21 a.m. CT
The Houston Rockets‘ uneven play in recent weeks has produced mixed results, but they have a great chance to regain their rhythm against one of the NBA’s bottom-feeders on Monday.
Houston is taking on an Utah Jazz team that doesn’t even have 20 wins on the season just yet. Factor in that several of Utah’s top players are nursing injuries at the moment as well, and the Rockets are primed for a win.
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 34-21 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fourth-place slot.
The Jazz are the owners of a 18-39 record and two-game losing streak, good enough for 13th in the Western Conference.
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Houston lost to the New York Knicks (108-106) on the road.
Utah came up short against the Memphis Grizzlies (123-114) on the road.
Injuries
For Utah, Keyonte George (right ankle sprain) is questionable, Lauri Markkanen (illness) is probable, Jusuf Nurkic (nose injury management) is out, Walker Kessler (left shoulder injury recovery) is out and Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee injury recovery) is out.
For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out and Jae’Sean Tate (right knee sprain) is out.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
