Rockets vs. Cavaliers! Expected starting lineup: It’s difficult for Houston’s forward to appear, but the 21-year-old shooter returns to the starting lineup?

On November 19, after two days of rest, the Rockets will face a powerful opponent tomorrow - the Cavaliers, ranked second in the Eastern Conference. As one of the best teams in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers are now ranked second in the East, with a record of 10 wins and 5 losses. After 12 games, the Rockets have a record of 9 wins and 3 losses, ranking third in the Western Conference.

However, the chasing teams behind the Rockets, such as the Lakers and Spurs, have performed quite well recently. If the Rockets want to continue to maintain the third position in the Western Conference and attack the Nuggets, which is second in the Western Conference, they can only defeat every opponent, such as the next Cavaliers and Nuggets. These are hard bones for the Rockets to crack. Fortunately, the Rockets now have a strong lineup and are in top-notch condition, especially their offense and three-point shooting are the best in the league.

Against the Cavaliers, although the Rockets are playing away from home, they still have a chance to win. But the bad news is that three Rockets players are confirmed to be absent from this game. Jabari Smith Jr. also suffered a knee injury and may not be able to play in this game. According to information from the Rockets, Smith Jr. is doubtful for this game, with only a 50% probability of playing, so he needs to prepare for the worst.

The Rockets' expected starting lineup for the next game can be divided into two situations: If Smith Jr. can play, Uduka should not adjust the starting lineup. After all, this lineup has been winning games for the Rockets. The expected starters are: point guard Amen Thompson, shooting guard Okogie, forwards Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr., and center Alperon Shenking. The Rockets have played 10 games with this lineup this season, with a record of 9 wins and 1 loss, losing only to the Spurs.

On the other hand, if Smith is unable to play due to injury, Uduka may adjust the starting lineup. Due to the absence of VanVleet, Ethan and Finney Smith, the Rockets have lost two important players on the front line. If Smith is absent again, it is expected that the Rockets will make Shepard the starting point guard, Okogie the starting shooting guard, Durant the small forward, Amen Thompson transferred to the power forward position, and Shen Jing will still be the center.

In addition, if the Rockets do not let 21-year-old shooter Shepard start, they can also form a tall lineup-just like the first two games of this season, Amen Thompson will be the point guard, Okogie will be the shooting guard, Durant will be the small forward, and the twin tower combination of Shen Jing and Adams will be used inside. After all, the Cavaliers also have the twin towers of Mobley and Jarrett Allen, and the Rockets' twin towers can come in handy.

Of course, these are just pre-match predictions. The specific lineup depends on Uduka's adjustments. More importantly, the injury of Jabari Smith Jr. and whether he can play in this key game. Fortunately, the Rockets have a strong lineup, especially the depth of the lineup, which is one of the best in the league. Even if many players are absent, I believe Uduka will still have enough substitutes available, and the Rockets can also arrange multiple lineups to deal with this critical game.