Raptors vs. Rockets Preview: Next-Man Up Mentality As Injuries Stockpile

With Jabari Smith Jr. questionable for Friday's contest against the Raptors, the Houston Rockets will attempt to keep their next-man up mentality.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (13-38) will remain without Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. due to their respective injuries. And Friday night against the Toronto Raptors (23-30), there is a chance the Rockets could take the floor of the Toyota Center without Jabari Smith Jr.

Smith was hit in the ribs during the second half of Wednesday's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and coach Stephen Silas is "hopeful" to have his rookie prospect available. 

If Smith is not active, the Rockets will continue their next-man up approach, which has kept the team afloat. Josh Christopher, who was once out of Silas' rotation, has helped Houston fill the void left by Green's and Porter's absences.

"He has done a good job, he has taken advantage of his opportunity," Silas said. "It's like I told him, when his number is called, he has to be ready for it. And he has done a good job these last few games." 

Rockets Injury Report:

• Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) OUT
• Jalen Green (right calf contusion) OUT
• Jabari Smith Jr. (right hip pointer) QUESTIONABLE

Toronto Raptors Injury Report:

• O.G. Anunoby (left wrist sprain) OUT
• Otto Porter Jr. (left foot surgery) OUT

Three things to watch:

Keeping the Raptors off the offensive glass:

The Rockets have established themselves as one of the best rebounding teams in the league by averaging 47.2 boards. But the Raptors are one of the best offensive-rebounding teams this season. They have averaged 12.8 boards on the offensive glass.

In their previous game against the Thunder, Houston gave up 25 offensive rebounds, which led to 26 second-chance points. Rookie Tari Eason recorded a team-best 13 rebounds against the Thunder, a dozen came on the offensive end.

Regaining their groove with Eric Gordon at the helm:

The Rockets are 3-2 over their past five games after losing 18 of its previous 19. Eric Gordon has played a major role in Houston's success. He has averaged 18.0 points on 41.0 percent shooting, but Gordon has stepped up on several occasions down the stretch with his veteran leadership.

Against the Thunder, Silas said Gordon settled everyone down when they trailed Oklahoma City by six points late in the third quarter. He helped the team regain their composure, which led to the Rockets outscoring the Thunder 32-20 en route to their second consecutive victory.

Gordon finished with a game-high 25 points in the win.

Taking advantage of tired legs:

The Raptors are currently in the midst of their season-high seven-game road trip. While away from Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors are 2-3 on their current road swing and 8-18 overall.

Fred VanVleet posted a game-high 34 points (12-25 FG, 4-9 3PT, 6-6 FT), 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz. VanVleet's contributions led to a 131-128 loss inside Vivint Arena.

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

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