After a dominant showing in Sunday’s preseason opener versus San Antonio, the young Houston Rockets will face a far more talented opponent in Friday’s home exhibition versus the Toronto Raptors.
The rebuilding Spurs are projected to finish with one of the NBA’s worst records, whereas the Raptors — already off to a 2-0 start in the 2022-23 preseason — are a perennial playoff team and contender in the Eastern Conference. Thus, it should be a much greater challenge for Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and the young Rockets.
For Green in particular, it’s a showdown with fellow 2021 first-round draft pick Scottie Barnes. While both Barnes and Green were members of the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team for the 2021-22 season, Barnes beat out Green and their peers for Rookie of the Year honors.
Unfortunately for Green, he won’t have rookie sidekick Jabari Smith Jr. playing next to him after suffering a left ankle sprain in practice. The Rockets said his absence is “more precautionary.”
Scroll on for a look at broadcast information, projected lineups, and known injuries. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from Toyota Center.
- Date: Friday, Oct. 7
- Time: 7:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Radio: KBME 790 AM, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Houston Rockets (1-0, preseason)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Tari Eason
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Toronto Raptors (2-0, preseason)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Gary Trent Jr.
- Forward: OG Anunoby
- Forward: Scottie Barnes
- Center: Pascal Siakam
Projected lineups are based on each team’s game notes.
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