Guard Fred VanVleet, who led the Rockets' offense, is out with a bruised right hip. He scored 37 and 42 points in consecutive games but struggled in the fourth quarter against the Jazz. The Rockets face the Blazers without him as they finish the season against the Clippers.
The Blazers have multiple injuries with key players out including Sharpe, Simons, Brogdon, Thybulle, Camara, and Grant. Banton, who had strong performances against the Rockets, is questionable for the upcoming game.