FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
Will size matter? 1
The Cavaliers start the largest frontcourt in the NBA, with 7-footers Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen around 6-10 Jarrett Allen. The Rockets typically start 6-10 Christian Wood with 6-5 Garrison Mathews and 6-4 Jae’Sean Tate. They can pair Wood with either Alperen Sengun or Daniel Theis, but stretches with those lineups have not gone well. The Rockets’ usual scoring off offensive rebounds — they are sixth in the league in second-chance points — could be tough to come by. The Cavaliers are tied for second in second-chance points allowed.
Can the Rockets’ offensive surge last? 2
Coming off 132 points in Atlanta on Monday, the Rockets have the third-ranked offense in the NBA in the 10 games since their 15-game losing streak. The Cavaliers, however, have the NBA’s No. 2 defense this season.
Would-be twin towers 3
The Rockets opted against getting Allen from the Nets in the James Harden trade in part because they were not sure he and Wood could be as productive together as they have been apart. They have excelled apart. Only Allen, Wood and Giannis Antetokounmpo are averaging at least 16 points, 11 rebounds and one blocked shot this season. Wood, who is questionable, has topped 20 points in six of his past nine games but scored just 12 in two others.
Rookie showdown fizzles 4
The game will not feature a matchup of Jalen Green and Mobley, the second and third draft picks, with Green out and Mobley questionable. It also won’t bring Kevin Porter Jr.’s first game against his former team or Eric Gordon’s chance to follow up his season high 32 points. That could mean more minutes for rookie Josh Christopher.
Hello, again 5
The game will bring a matchup of close friends Stephen Silas, a former Cavaliers assistant, and J.B. Bickerstaff, a former Rockets assistant and interim head coach, with former Cavs head coach John Lucas serving as Silas’ lead assistant.
INJURY/STATUS REPORT
Rockets: Guard Eric Gordon (right groin tightness), forward Danuel House Jr. (sprained left ankle,) guard John Wall (not injury related), guard Jalen Green (strained left hamstring), guard Kevin Porter Jr. (bruised left thigh) and guard Daishen Nix (G League assignment) are out. Center/forward Christian Wood (left knee tendinitis) is questionable.
Cavaliers: Guard Collin Sexton (left knee surgery) and guard RJ Nembhard (G League assignment) are out. Forward Evan Mobley (sore right hip) is questionable.