Rockets vs. Warriors Preview: The First Game Back From All-Star Break

Without their starting backcourt, the Houston Rockets will attempt to end their seven-game losing streak Friday night against the Warriors.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (13-45) will resume their five-game road trip Friday night against the Golden State Warriors (29-30) inside the Chase Center. The Rockets will be short-handed coming out of the All-Star break due to the absence of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.

Green sustained a left groin strain injury on Feb. 15 during the Rockets' 133-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Porter will miss his 17th consecutive game following a "freakish accident" against the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 11. Coach Stephen Silas said Porter is still dealing with pain in his left toe despite showing signs of improvement.

The absence of Green and Porter would create an opportunity for players like Josh Christopher and TyTy Washington Jr. to help Houston end its appalling season on a positive note. 

"It's going to be a great opportunity," Silas said. "We need the ball handling. We need the scoring. Players want more minutes and a chance. And my response has always been, 'stay ready. Your chance is coming.' And now here it is."

Rockets vs. Warriors Broadcast Information:

• Date: Friday, Feb. 24
• Time: 9:00 p.m.
• TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
• Radio: 790 AM
• Live Stream: League Pass

Rockets Injury Report:

• Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) OUT
• Jalen Green (left groin strain) OUT

Golden State Warriors Injury Report:

• Stephen Curry (lower left leg injury) OUT
• Andrew Wiggins (personal) QUESTIONABLE

Three things to watch:

Taking advantage of tired legs:

The Warriors are entering the game on the second night of a back-to-back. They played in Los Angeles Thursday night and fell 124-111 to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors are 5-7 in games with no rest this season.

Slowing down the second-best scoring team in the league:

The Warriors have managed to remain at the top of the league in scoring despite Stephen Curry missing 21 games. They are averaging 118.5 points, which ranks second, trailing the Sacramento Kings.

While winning the first two games against the Rockets, the Warriors averaged 123.5 points. On Nov. 20, Klay Thompson scored 41 points (14-23 FG, 10-13 3PT) in a win over the Rockets inside the Toyota Center.

Can the Rockets outscore the Warriors?

The Rockets may have a chance to end their seven-game losing streak against the Warriors. Golden State has become one of the NBA's most inferior defensive teams. The Warriors rank 27th in the league in opponents' points per game (118.4) with a 114.2 defensive net rating.

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

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