The Houston Rockets visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream or listen to the live radio broadcast via the links provided below.
The Rockets were unable to find a suitable trade for Omer Asik and ended all discussions for the disgruntled center on Thursday. Reported deals from the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers weren't enough to convince Rockets general manager Daryl Morey to part with the 7-footer, who's expected to return to the lineup when healthy (knee, thigh).
Although it's almost certain Asik will at some point be playing for another team, Rockets starting center Dwight Howard acknowledged the team needs Asik for however long he is on the roster.
"It's going to take a total team effort for us to win a championship," Howard told the team website, via ESPN. "I know he's had a tough time, but the only thing we can do as a team is continue to lift him up and to just try to help him understand that he's a big part of this team. I know he might not feel that way, but he is."
Houston (17-9) is coming off a 109-94 win on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls, giving the Rockets two wins in their last four games. The Rockets nabbed the win in part by outscoring the Bulls in the paint (66-40) and closing out the third quarter with a 15-1 run, ESPN reports.
"That was tremendous," Rockets guard James Harden said on Wednesday. "We've been striking out these last couple of games in closing quarters and (coach Kevin McHale) has been preaching to us to make sure we go on a little run to close every quarter out. Tonight we did and we've got to be consistent with that."
Indiana (20-5), meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after a 97-94 loss on Wednesday to Miami. Danny Granger, who's struggled with a strained left calf, is expected to make his season debut on Friday.
"I'm excited to finally be able to play. ... I feel ready now," said Granger. "This is my (ninth) year, I've played a lot of basketball games. I'm happy to finally be playing this season, I'm definitely excited."
Watch the live stream HERE, or listen to the live radio broadcast HERE (HOU) and HERE (IND).
