03/17/2026, 8:56 PM
Back outside of rotation
Green had received playing time in each of the Rockets' previous four games, but even though Alperen Sengun (back) remained out Monday, the former was unable to crack head coach Ime Udoka's rotation. Sengun is listed as available for Wednesday's rematch with the Lakers, so Green's brief window to claim a spot in the second unit appears to have closed.
03/17/2026, 7:35 PM
Absent from injury report
After sitting out Houston's past two contests with a back issue, the star big man is ready to roll for Wednesday. Clint Capela should revert back to the No. 2 center spot after drawing a spot start during Monday's meeting with the Lakers. Sengun has averaged 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 30.4 minutes per tilt in his last six games, shooting 54.4 percent from the field.
03/17/2026, 5:36 PM
Scores team-high 22 points
Smith assumed a larger role in the frontcourt during the loss, absorbing Alperen Sengun's (back) lost output. Smith's frame and skill set would be enough to play the five on almost any other team in the league, but Sengun's presence has limited his ability to embrace that kind of role. Smith is still having a great fourth season in his role, averaging 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 63 games.