With the trade deadline approaching, the Houston Rockets could use the addition of a point guard behind starter Fred VanVleet to run the offense.

BOTTOM LINE: Detroit takes on Houston for a non-conference matchup. The Rockets are 14-6 on their home court. Houston is the Western Conference leader with 14.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Alperen Sengun averaging 3.4.

As the Houston Rockets hit the halfway point, they turn their attention to finishing strong heading into the All-Star Break. At 28-13, the Rockets are well ahead of the 41.5-win pace that sportsbooks had them in preseason.

The Houston Rockets (27-13) and Portland Trail Blazers (13-27) hope to make it 2-1 in their season series on Saturday night ( 10 ET, League Pass) in Portland. The Rockets had their five-game win streak snapped on Thursday, and the Blazers will try to end a four-game losing streak of their own.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA game from January 18, 2025 on ESPN.

A big reason for the Rockets great start to the season has been the play of Jalen Green. The fourth-year guard is having the best overall season of his career as he and Alperen Sengun are trying to lead Houston to the playoffs for the first time in their careers.