Practice Report: Rockets Preparing for Timberwolves

The Houston Rockets practiced Monday morning before heading to Minnesota for their matchup against the Timberwolves Tuesday night. Rockets on Si was out at Monday's practice.

Lachard Binkley

The Houston Rockets are coming off a disappointing 104-98 loss to the Portland Trailblazers Saturday night at the Toyota Center. The Rockets came into that game one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Saturday was the second of two straight against the Blazers to end the Rocket's homestand.

Despite Saturday's disappointing loss, the Rockets maintain a record of 12-6, placing them third in the Western Conference and first in their division. With a day off before traveling to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves, the Rockets were able to hold a practice on Monday morning.

After the practice, the Rockets on SI heard from Ime Udoka and Fred VanVleet. After a solid start to the season, Jalen Green has struggled from the field the last several games. Rockets on SI asked Ime Udoka if he believes Green is getting the same shots he did early in the season.

I asked Coach Udoka if he feels Jalen Green getting the same shots he was to start the season.

“I think he’s turned down some down he had been taking, so we don’t want him to start second guessing those” pic.twitter.com/aKUTyMdB2v

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) November 25, 2024

Green began the season strongly on offense but has struggled with shooting in the last several games. In the loss to the Trail Blazers, he finished with a shooting record of 3 for 14. He missed practice today due to an illness he's been dealing with for several days. Dillon Brooks was also absent, but both players are expected to be available for tomorrow's game.

Udoka was also asked if VanVleet would be suspended, and Udoka gave a short and direct answer.

Here is Ime when asked if Fred will be suspended https://t.co/bXM96TrVNd pic.twitter.com/JrfRbenJ8g

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) November 25, 2024

After today's practice, Fred VanVleet also spoke with the media about the end-game incident that saw him ejected with under five seconds left against the Trail Blazers.

Fred on the incident at the end of the game.

“I have to be better than that. It wasn’t my best moment or proudest moment” pic.twitter.com/uKpYwe7cTi

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) November 25, 2024

After practice, the NBA announced that VanVleet was fined $50,000 for his actions during Saturday night's loss.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/iCldye6S8c

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 25, 2024

The Rockets are back in action Tuesday night as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third game of NBA Cup play.

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