Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat Preseason Preview: How to Watch, Lineups, Injury Report, More

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HOUSTON — Friday's preseason game for the Houston Rockets will serve as the final dress rehearsal before the 2023-24 season. The Rockets will close their five-game preseason schedule against the Miami Heat inside the Toyota Center. And despite their 3-1 record, the Rockets are far from content with their execution on both ends.
Their split series against the San Antonio Spurs showcased the Rockets' readiness before games. A slow start in back-to-back nights inside the Frost Bank Center led to Houston trailing the Spurs by double-digits early in the first quarter.
During Wednesday's 107-89 loss, the Rockets missed their first seven shot attempts from the field. By the start of the second quarter, the Rockets trailed the Spurs 30-18.
Coach Ime Udoka found comfort in his players' fight. But to bring forward the team that has preached winning since their four-day training camp period in Lake Charles, Udoka wants to see his team improve their readiness.
During the two-game series in San Antonio, the Rockets trailed the Spurs by an average margin of 18.5 points in the first half.
"To not get down like we were, I believe our attention to detail wasn't the best," Udoka said. "Our physicality wasn't the best to start. When guys are in a hole, that's when they start to guard better."
Rockets vs. Heat Broadcast Information
- Date: Friday, Oct. 20
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network
- Radio: 790 AM
- Live Stream: League Pass
Rockets Injury Report
- Jalen Green (Toenail problem, Questionable)
- Tari Eason (Leg Contusion, Questionable)
Miami Heat Injury Report
- Jimmy Butler (Dental Procedure)
- Josh Richardson (Foot, Questionable)
Projected Starting Lineup
Miami Heat
- Guard: Kyle Lowry
- Guard: Tyler Herro
- Forward: Duncan Robinson
- Forward: Kevin Love
- Center: Bam Adebayo
Houston Rockets
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green (Questionable)
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
