The Houston Rockets travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers in a Western Conference matchup, with the Rockets aiming to bounce back from a narrow loss while the Blazers seek to build on recent home success. Houston, sixth in the West, boasts a strong defense but grapples with key injuries, while Portland, ninth in the conference, has shown offensive flair led by Deni Avdija but struggles with consistency amid absences. This game could hinge on rebounding and perimeter shooting, as both teams adjust to depleted lineups.
Venue Location
Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, home of the Portland Trail Blazers. The indoor arena seats over 19,000 and is known for its passionate fans, creating a tough environment for visitors.
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. MST / 9:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on KUNP, SCHN, and Rip City Radio 620.
Injury Report
Injuries significantly impact both sides, with frontcourt absences looming large for each team.
Houston Rockets
Out: Fred VanVleet (knee; season-ending), Alperen Sengun (ankle; expected out 1-2 weeks).
Day-to-Day: Isaiah Crawford (illness).
The Rockets lose VanVleet’s playmaking and Sengun’s interior presence, forcing reliance on Amen Thompson and Steven Adams in the frontcourt.
Portland Trail Blazers
Out: Jerami Grant (Achilles), Jrue Holiday (calf), Kris Murray (back).
Questionable: None reported.
Portland’s perimeter defense suffers without Grant and Holiday, putting pressure on Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija to carry the load offensively.
Key Player Matchups
With injuries altering rotations, these battles could define the game’s pace and physicality.
Amen Thompson (HOU) vs. Anfernee Simons (POR): Thompson’s athleticism and rebounding (12+ RPG recently) face Simons’ scoring (25+ PPG). Thompson must contain Simons’ quickness in transition.
Jalen Green (HOU) vs. Deni Avdija (POR): Green steps up without VanVleet, averaging 20+ PPG. Avdija (team-high 25.7 PPG) brings versatility but must defend Green’s explosiveness.
Steven Adams (HOU) vs. Donovan Clingan (POR): Adams fills in for Sengun with rebounding (11+ RPG). Clingan (rookie standout, 15+ RPG lately) anchors Portland’s paint in a battle of bigs.
Tari Eason (HOU) vs. Toumani Camara (POR): Eason’s energy off the bench vs. Camara’s defense could spark second-unit production.
Recent Team Forms
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are 6-4 in their last 10, blending strong defense (holding opponents under 100 in wins) with efficient scoring. Recent games: L 102-103 @ POR (Jan 7), W 100-97 vs PHX (Jan 5), L 104-110 @ DAL (Jan 3), W 120-96 @ BKN (Jan 1), W 126-119 vs IND (Dec 29). They average 114.8 PPG while allowing 110.2, excelling in rebounding but vulnerable to turnovers without VanVleet.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are 5-5 in their last 10, showing home strength but road struggles. Recent games: W 103-102 vs HOU (Jan 7), W 137-117 vs UTA (Jan 5), W 115-110 @ SAS (Jan 3), W 122-109 @ NOP (Jan 2), L 95-124 @ OKC (Dec 31). They average 112.6 PPG, led by Avdija’s scoring, but defense allows 114.8 PPG without key defenders.
Series History
The Rockets hold a 120-99 all-time edge over the Trail Blazers in 219 regular-season meetings. Houston has won 3 of the last 5, but Portland claimed the most recent thriller 103-102 on January 7. In playoffs, the series is even at 6-6 across two meetings.
Betting Trends
Houston Rockets: 18-16 ATS overall (52.9% cover rate), 8-8 ATS on the road. The under has hit in 19 of 34 games (55.9%). Rockets are 5-5 ATS in last 10 as favorites.
Portland Trail Blazers: 21-17 ATS overall (55.3%), 10-8 ATS at home. The over has hit in 20 of 38 games (52.6%). Blazers are 6-4 ATS in last 10 as underdogs.
Head-to-head, Houston is 6-4 ATS in the last 10 vs. Portland. Games have gone under in 6 of the last 10.
Game Odds
Houston Rockets – 6.5
Portland Trail Blazers 221.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 8, 2026
