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.
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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.
Oct 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Tyrese Martin (13) handles the ball against Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
The Nets are the owners of a 10-20 record, good enough for the 13th-place spot in the East.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston beat the Indiana Pacers 126-119 at home.
Oct 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) is fouled while shooting inside by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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.
Oct 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) shoots inside against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
For Brooklyn, Egor Demin (back), Haywood Highsmith (knee), and Terance Mann (hip) are out, and Michael Porter Jr. (illness) is questionable.
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Probable starting lineups – Houston
Oct 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots inside against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – BrooklynHere’s when you should tune in to see the game:
TV Channel: Space City Home Network
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets at Nets: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (1/1)