Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz NBA Clash: Injury Reports, Lineups & Prediction
The Houston Rockets are set to host the Utah Jazz in a highly anticipated NBA matchup tonight at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. This game promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to secure a vital victory. The action tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Monday, February 23, 2026.
When and Where to Watch the Game
The Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz game will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock and CHSN. For online viewers, the match will be available for streaming on Fubo and Amazon Prime Video. Fans can tune in at 9:30 p.m. ET to catch all the live action from this thrilling NBA contest.
Expected Starting Lineups
Houston Rockets:
- Amen Thompson (Point Guard)
- Tari Eason (Shooting Guard)
- Kevin Durant (Small Forward)
- Jabari Smith Jr. (Power Forward)
- Alperen Sengun (Center)
Utah Jazz:
- Isaiah Collier (Point Guard)
- Cody Williams (Shooting Guard)
- Ace Bailey (Small Forward)
- Kyle Filipowski (Power Forward)
- Kevin Love (Center)
Injury Report
Houston Rockets: The Rockets will be without key players Fred VanVleet (ACL injury), Steven Adams (ankle), and Jae’Sean Tate (knee). Their absence puts additional pressure on the remaining roster to perform.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz face significant challenges with multiple players sidelined. Keyonte George (ankle), Lauri Markkanen (illness), Jusuf Nurkic (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), and Walker Kessler (shoulder) are all listed as OUT for tonight's game.
Game Prediction and Team Analysis
The Houston Rockets enter this matchup with a strong season record, having won 34 out of their 55 games. Their roster features standout performers like Kevin Durant, who averages 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, and Alperen Sengun, contributing 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. The team is heavily relying on these players, along with Amen Thompson, to secure a victory.
In contrast, the Utah Jazz have struggled this season, winning only 18 out of 57 matches. However, they possess efficient players such as Ace Bailey, who averages 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, and Isaiah Collier, with 10.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. These players give the Jazz a fighting chance to claim victory.
Statistically, the Houston Rockets have scored 228.5 points in 22 of their 55 games, while the Utah Jazz have achieved the same point total in 46 of their 57 games. This makes tonight's prediction particularly challenging, as both teams have shown offensive capability despite their differing win records.
With key injuries on both sides, the outcome may hinge on which team's remaining players step up to fill the gaps. The Rockets' home-court advantage and stronger season performance give them an edge, but the Jazz's determination could lead to an upset in this compelling NBA showdown.