Heat vs. Rockets Preview: Moving Forward Without Eric Gordon

The Houston Rockets will take on the Miami Heat on Friday. But for the first time since April 2016, Eric Gordon will not be on the roster.

The Houston Rockets (13-32) will return to the court Friday night against the Miami Heat (30-25), a day after the trade deadline. But for the first time since April 2016, the Rockets will take the court without Eric Gordon on the roster. 

Thursday afternoon, the Rockets traded Gordon in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Houston traded Gordon to the Clippers while acquiring rights to swap a 2023 first-round pick, Danny Green from the Grizzlies and John Wall from Los Angeles.

Gordon originally signed as a free agent with Houston in July 2016. 

In 379 games as a Rocket, Gordon averaged 15.7 points. He earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2016-17, becoming the first player in franchise history to win the award. Gordon ranks 17th in Rockets history with 5,944 points and is second to James Harden in 3-pointers made with 1,054.

“Throughout his six and a half seasons as a Rocket, Eric did everything we asked of him and more both on the court and in the community,” general manager Rafael Stone said. “We wish him nothing but the best and want him to know he’ll always have a home here in Houston.”

Rockets vs. Heat Broadcast Information:

• Date: Friday, Feb. 10
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
• Radio: 790 AM
• Live Stream: League Pass

Rockets Injury Report:

• Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) OUT

Miami Heat Injury Report:

• Gabe Vincent (right ankle inflammation) PROBABLE
• Nikola Jovic (lower back stress) OUT 
• Kyle Out Lowry (left knee soreness) OUT
• Victor Oladipo (right ankle sprain) OUT 
• Duncan Robinson (right finger surgery) OUT

Three things to watch:

Can Jalen Green show more consistency:

Jalen Green put on a show in the Rockets' final outing against the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night. He scored 41 points, which marked his third 40-plus performance over the last 23 days.

Green has shown the potential to become one of the top scorers in the league. But the second-year two-guard must find consistency within his play. In the two games following a 40-point performance, Green is averaging 14.5 points on 28.8 percent shooting.

Can the Rockets outscore the Heat?:

The Rockets have had a rough time trying to stop their opponents from scoring. But there is a chance Houston can record a win in South Beach by outscoring the Heat. The Rockets have averaged 110.4 points. The Heat's offense has declined this season by averaging a league-low 108.6 points.

Overcoming the Heat's defense:

Miami is the lowest-scoring team in the league. But the Heat's offensive transgressions are enhanced by their play on the defensive end. The Heat ranks second in the league in opponents' points per game (108.4) with a 111.1 defensive net rating.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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