Tonight marks the beginning of a two-game series between the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center, also known as The Rose Garden.
The Rockets recently faced a similar situation against the Utah Jazz, typically characterized by home teams dominating the first game and then struggling in the rematch. Historical patterns suggest that teams generally resist being swept at home; thus, the upcoming match holds considerable significance for both teams.
The Trail Blazers will be showcasing Deni Avidja, who appears to be a strong contender for an All-Star spot this season. His current fan voting standings surpass notable figures such as Kevin Durant and fellow player Alperen Sengun, reflecting his rising prominence within the league.
Portland enters this matchup riding a three-game winning streak, with victories against the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and New Orleans Pelicans. Conversely, the Rockets have struggled against these opponents, holding a record of 1-3 in their head-to-head encounters.
Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 9 PM CT on January 7, 2026. The Rockets will be broadcasted on the Space City Home Network.
In terms of injuries, the Rockets will miss Alperen Sengun, while the Blazers will be without Kris Murray, Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, and Scoot Henderson. As the betting line currently stands, the Rockets are favored by 5.5 points.
With both teams eager to assert themselves, fans can anticipate an exciting matchup. Looking ahead, Friday night will see the continuation of this series against the Trail Blazers in Portland.