Rockets vs. Hornets Preview: Rockets Hope To Swat Charlotte's Nest Down

The Houston Rockets will play the first of their final two games on the road Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (20-60) will play their final two games of the 2022-23 campaign on a two-game road trip. The Rockets' first stop will be in Queen City to take on the Charlotte Hornets (26-54) inside the Spectrum Center Friday night.

The Rockets are coming off a successful three-game homestand, where they recorded a 2-1 record. Houston's most significant win came in a 124-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night.

"It has been a rough year, but I am so proud of these guys," coach Stephen Silas said. "Being a part of this organization, being a part of this stage with these young guys, I am thankful for all of the people who poured into me, so I can pour back out to them."

Silas said he has been beyond proud of his players' efforts during the latter half of the season. He said despite their record, the Rockets have stepped on the court to compete in each game, which has led to seven wins since a March 4 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. 

Rockets vs. Hornets Broadcast Information

• Date: Friday, April 7
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
• Radio: 790 AM
• Live Stream: League Pass

Rockets Injury Report:

• Jae'Sean Tate (left knee soreness) OUT

Hornets Injury Report:

• Mark Williams (left ankle sprain) PROBABLE
• Dennis Smith Jr. (right toe sprain) QUESTIONABLE
• LaMelo Ball (right ankle surgery) OUT
• Gordon Hayward (left thumb sprain) OUT
• Cody Martin (left knee soreness) OUT
• Kelly Oubre Jr. (right shoulder strain) OUT
• Terry Rozier (right foot discomfort) OUT
• P.J. Washington (right foot sprain)

3 things to watch:

Sticking to Alperen Sengun:

Alperen Sengun is coming off his best all-around performance, which led to the Rockets' blowout win over the Nuggets. 

He recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, but Sengun's best contributions came on the defensive end. Sengun helped the Rockets limit Nikola Jokic to 14 points while adding three steals and a block.

The Hornets will see a better version of Jabari Smith Jr.:

If Jalen Green goes for another 40-point performance, he will have more help in the Rockets' second meeting against the Hornets. The emergence of Jabari Smith Jr. is one of two reasons Green would have more support compared to Houston's five-point loss in January.

Smith was amid a rookie slump at the time. But since his eight-point performance on Jan. 19, the first-year prospect from Auburn University has played like a player warranting an All-Rookie Team selection averaging 15.7 points on 46.5 percent shooting and 8.1 rebounds since March 4.

How much will Kevin Porter Jr. change the outcome:

Smith's struggles weren't the only factor that led to an early season loss to the Hornets. The absence of Kevin Porter Jr. also played a primary role to Houston's loss to the Hornets. 

Porter missed 19 games due to a left toe contusion, and the Rockets struggled in his absence without their primary ball-handler.

Houston's play has been more efficient on both ends since his return, and his presence could change the outcome in Charlotte. Porter has since averaged 18.7 points on .449/.405/.824 shooting splits, 6.0 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals following his return from injury.

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

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