Rockets vs. Spurs Preview: A Rivalry Diluted, But Still Alive

The Houston Rockets, who are riding an 11-game losing streak, will play the first half of their home-and-home series against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday night inside the AT&T Center.

SAN ANTONIO — A Saturday night contest between the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs in early March would have made for an NBA primetime special in the mid-to-late 2010s.

But since the All-Star battle between James Harden and Kawhi Leonard ended, a southwest divisional game between the Rockets and Spurs has created no buzz.

The Rockets (13-49) and Spurs (16-47) are entering the AT&T Center holding two of the four worst records in the league. Both teams are in the running for the top overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. 

But Houston is trying to snap their 11-game losing streak, which marks its second longest of the season. The Spurs look to maintain their momentum by extending their winning streak to three. 

San Antonio ended a franchise-high 16-game losing streak Tuesday night in a win over the Utah Jazz. The Spurs hold a 2-0 regular season lead over Houston. 

"We are at the bottom, and I know they are at the bottom two or three," Jae'Sean Tate said. "We are trying to catch them. Nobody wants to finish last. This is an opportunity where we think we can win this game, both of these games. There is a bit more emphasis on getting this done."

Rockets vs. Spurs Broadcast Information:

• Date: Saturday, March 4
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
• Radio: 790 AM
• Live Stream: League Pass

Rockets Injury Report:

• Jae'Sean Tate (right ankle maintenance) OUT
• TyTy Washington Jr. (non-COVID illness) QUESTIONABLE

Spurs Injury Report:

• Khem Birch (right knee chondromalacia) OUT
• Doug McDermott (right thumb sprain) OUT
• Devin Vassell (left knee management) OUT
• Keldon Johnson (left foot sprain) DOUBTFUL
• Malaki Branham (low back contusion) QUESTIONABLE
• Romeo Langford (left adductor tightness) QUESTIONABLE

Kevin Porter Jr.'s second game back from injury:

Kevin Porter Jr. returned from a 20-game absence Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. As expected, Porter struggled in his return with 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting, five rebounds and two assists.

Coach Stephen Silas said Porter will have to play through some discomfort in his left toe for the remainder of the season. But he should have a better performance in his second game back.

Slowing down Jeremy Sochan:

Jeremy Sochan may not be a household name. But the rookie prospect from Baylor University is quickly rising near the top of opponents' scouting reports.

Sochan is known for his scrappy offensive play by scoring in double-figures in 30 games. His play marked the most games in a season with 10 or more points by any Spurs rookie since Gary Neal during the 2010-11 campaign, where he recorded 40.

Over the last three games, Sochan has averaged 19.0 points on 42.6 percent shooting from the field and 8.3 rebounds. 

Taking advantage of the wounded:

The Rockets have an opportunity to end their second-longest losing streak of the season against the Spurs. The Spurs are coming into the game riding a two-game losing streak. But with seven players out due to their respective injuries, Houston could take advantage of the wounded.

Keldon Johnson, the Spurs' leading scorer, is highly doubtful for the game due to a left foot sprain. Johnson is averaging a career-best 21.8 points through 55 games this season. 

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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