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

The Houston Rockets will close their five-game preseason schedule Friday night against the Miami Heat.

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