Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups Tonight (Nov. 19) | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers will clash in a regular-season game on Wednesday at the Rocket Arena. The Rockets are heading into the matchup on a four-game winning streak. They secured their latest win on Sunday in a 117-113 classic against the Orlando Magic.

The Cavs, on the other hand, will enter the game on a two-game win streak. They secured a 118-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in their last game. Both teams will play against each other for the first time this season.

This game serves as an early preview of a potential playoff series between the two teams, as they both hold top rankings in the standings. The Rockets are fourth in the Western Conference with a 9-3 record, while the Cavs hold second place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 10-5 record.

The Houston Rockets have levelled up with the inclusion of Kevin Durant. The "slim reaper" has solved the offensive problems Houston faced last season. He has also helped the team achieve better spacing on the floor because of the attention he demands from defenders.

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain one of the top teams in the East, boasting the twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt and Donovan Mitchell leading the backcourt.

Houston Rockets vs, Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts Tonight (Nov. 19)

Houston Rockets starting lineup and depth chart

The Rockets will be without three players heading into the game. Tari Eason is out with a hip injury, while Donrian Finney-Smith remains on the sidelines indefinitely because of an ankle surgery. Fred VanVleet is on the sidelines for the entire 2025-26 season after he tore his ACL during an offseason workout session.

The Rockets are likely to start Amen Thompson at point guard and Josh Okohle at shooting guard. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. will make up the front court, while Alperen Sengun plays as the five.

Houston Rockets depth chart:

Point Guard	Amen Thompson	Reed Sheppard	JD Davison
Shooting Guard	Josh Okogie	Aaron Holiday
Small Forward	Kevin Durant	Kevon Harris
Power Forward	Jabari Smith Jr.	Dorian Finney-Smith
Center	Alperen Sengun	Clint Capela

Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup and depth chart

The Cavs will also be missing three players while hosting Houston. Jaylon Tyson is out of the game because of a concussion. Darius Garland is out with a toe injury, while Max Strus remains out with a foot injury.

Donovan Mitchell will likely play as the point guard, with Sam Merrill playing at shooting guard. Evan Mobley will play as the power forward, with De'Andre Hunter as the small forward and Jarrett Allen as the big man.

Cleveland Cavalier depth chart:

Point Guard	Donovan Mitchell	Tyrese Proctor
Shooting Guard	Sam Merrill	Luke Travers
Small Forward	De'Andre Hunter	Dean Wade
Power Forward	Evan Mobley	Larry Nance Jr.
Center	Jarrett Allen	Thomas Bryant