The Houston Rockets continue their Western Conference road swing against the Portland Trail Blazers in a matchup that features a surging Rockets squad aiming to extend their recent dominance over Portland. With Houston riding a four-game winning streak interrupted only by a close loss and Portland on a three-game win run despite significant injuries, this game could highlight the Rockets’ defensive improvements against the Blazers’ resilient home play. Expect a competitive affair, but Houston’s depth and historical edge may prove decisive. Below is a full breakdown of the key details.
Venue Location
The game will be played at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter in Portland, Oregon. This 19,393-seat arena has been the Trail Blazers’ home since 1995 and is known for its vibrant crowd, though Portland has managed only an 8-9 home record this season.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT). The game will be available on regional networks, with national streaming options via NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
Houston has been one of the league’s hottest teams lately, winning five of their last seven with improved scoring efficiency, while Portland rides a three-game win streak but has struggled against stronger opponents.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets are 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 120.0 points per game (5th in NBA) but allowing 116.3 (20th), with a net rating of +3.7. They’ve excelled in field-goal percentage (49.0%, 4th) and blocks (5.7 BPG, 10th), but rebounding (48.8 RPG, 6th) has been key in recent wins. Their last five: W 100-97 vs. PHX (Jan 5), L 104-110 at DAL (Jan 3), W 120-96 at BKN (Jan 1), W 126-119 vs. IND (Dec 29), W 117-100 vs. CLE (Dec 27).
Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are 6-4 in their last 10, scoring 111.0 points per game (27th) while allowing 119.6 (26th), with a -8.6 net rating. They rank poorly in field-goal percentage (45.0%, 29th) but have shown grit in close games. Their last five: W 137-117 vs. UTA (Jan 5), W 115-110 at SA (Jan 3), W 122-109 at NO (Jan 2), L 95-124 at OKC (Dec 31), W 125-122 vs. DAL (Dec 29).
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| Houston Rockets | 7-3 | W 100-97 vs. PHX | 5-2 SU in last 7; OVER in 6 of last 9; 18-15 ATS overall |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 6-4 | W 137-117 vs. UTA | 3-0 SU in last 3; UNDER in 8 of last 10; 20-16-1 ATS overall |
Injury Report
Injuries hit both teams hard, particularly in the backcourt and frontcourt, potentially forcing adjustments to rotations.
Houston Rockets:
Isaiah Crawford (F): Out (Illness) – Estimated return January 9; bench depth affected.
Alperen Sengun (C): Out (Ankle) – Estimated return January 18; major loss for rebounding and interior scoring (team’s leading rebounder at 10.2 RPG).
Fred VanVleet (G): Out (Knee) – Estimated return June 1 (season-ending); primary playmaker sidelined, impacting assists (team-high 7.4 APG).
Portland Trail Blazers:
Kris Murray (F): Questionable (Undisclosed) – Game-time decision; adds wing versatility if available.
Jrue Holiday (G): Out (Calf) – Estimated return January 9; defensive stalwart missing (1.6 SPG).
Jerami Grant (F): Out (Achilles) – Estimated return January 9; leading scorer (20.4 PPG) absent.
Matisse Thybulle (G): Out (Thumb) – Estimated return January 17; perimeter defense hit (1.4 SPG).
Scoot Henderson (G): Out (Hamstring) – Estimated return January 17; young guard’s absence strains backcourt.
Monitor pre-game reports for updates on questionables like Murray.
Player Matchups
With key absences (e.g., Sengun and VanVleet for Houston, Grant and Holiday for Portland), the focus shifts to secondary stars and bench units, potentially favoring Houston’s depth.
Amen Thompson (HOU) vs. Anfernee Simons (POR): Thompson (12.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.1 SPG) brings athleticism and defense, facing Simons (team-high 22.6 PPG, 4.8 APG), Portland’s primary scorer who’s hot from deep (38% 3PT). This guard battle could dictate pace, with Thompson exploiting Portland’s 26th-ranked defense.
Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU) vs. Deandre Ayton (POR): Smith Jr. (14.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG) steps up inside without Sengun, against Ayton (16.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG), who anchors Portland’s rebounding (45.6 RPG, mid-pack). Smith’s spacing (36% 3PT) tests Ayton’s mobility.
Dillon Brooks (HOU) vs. Toumani Camara (POR): Brooks (13.6 PPG, tough defender) locks down wings, potentially matched on Camara (efficient role player at 10.2 PPG). Brooks’ intensity could disrupt Portland’s offense (111.0 PPG, 27th).
Tari Eason (HOU) vs. Deni Avdija (POR): Eason (energy off bench, 9.8 PPG, 1.4 BPG) vs. Avdija (versatile forward, 12.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG). This could spark second-unit scoring, with Houston forcing turnovers (8.9 SPG, top-10).
Watch for Houston’s bench (e.g., Cam Whitmore) to exploit Portland’s depleted rotation.
Series History
The Houston Rockets hold a commanding all-time regular-season edge over the Portland Trail Blazers, leading 120-98 in 218 games. In the last 10 head-to-heads, Houston is 7-3 SU, including a dominant 140-116 home win on November 14, 2025. Recent games average 229.2 total points, with the Rockets shooting better (48.6% FG vs. 45.2%) and winning the rebound battle (46.4 vs. 43.8 RPG) in victories. Houston has won six of the past seven meetings overall, often by double digits, showcasing their defensive clampdown (holding Portland under 110 in four of those wins).
Betting Trends
Houston: 18-15 ATS overall (12-8 ATS away); OVER in 6 of last 9; 6-1 ATS and SU in last 7 vs. Portland; 4-9 ATS in last 13 overall; Under in 5 of last 6; 2-8 ATS vs. Western Conference; Over in 5 of last 5 road games vs. Portland; 12-4 SU in January games.
Portland: 20-16-1 ATS overall (10-7 ATS home); Under in 8 of last 10; 5-1 ATS and SU in last 6; Over in 6 of last 9 vs. Houston; Under in 4 of last 6 home games; 4-1 ATS vs. Western Conference; 10-0 ATS in January games; 3-6 SU on Wednesdays at home.
| Category | Houston | Portland |
| ATS Overall | 18-15 | 20-16-1 |
| ATS Last 10 | 7-3 | 6-4 |
| O/U Overall | 18-15 | 20-17 |
| O/U Last 10 | 6-4 | 2-8 |
Game Odds
Houston Rockets – 6.5
Portland Trail Blazers 224.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
