Rockets vs. Jazz: Official Starters Confirmed for Nov. 13 NBA Cup Game

Last verified: November 13, 2026, 6:47 a.m. Central Standard Time in Houston (UTC−06:00; 12:47 UTC). Houston and Utah’s starting lineups are confirmed ahead of their NBA Cup West Group A game at Toyota Center. The scheduled tipoff is 7:30 p.m. in Houston (CST, UTC−06:00), or November 14 at 01:30 UTC.

Houston’s five are Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun. Utah will start Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Josh Green, Ace Bailey and Jaxson Hayes. The confirmed starters give fans a clearer view of how both teams plan to open this group-stage matchup, though they do not guarantee who will finish the game or how playing time will be distributed.

Destaques

• Tipoff is Friday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. Houston CST (UTC−06:00), corresponding to Saturday, November 14, at 01:30 UTC.
• Houston’s starting five: Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun.
• Utah’s starting five: Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Josh Green, Ace Bailey and Jaxson Hayes.
• The fixture is NBA Cup West Group A game 0022600039 at Toyota Center in Houston.

What are the confirmed starting lineups for Rockets vs. Jazz?

The Rockets will open with VanVleet and Thompson in the backcourt, Durant and Smith Jr. on the wings, and Sengun at center. The Jazz’s announced starters are George, Peterson, Green, Bailey and Hayes. The lineup information is specific to this fixture; fans should use the NBA game center for any late changes before the opening tip.

Houston’s group pairs VanVleet’s ball handling with Thompson’s ability to attack the lane, while Durant and Smith Jr. provide size and shooting around Sengun’s interior playmaking. That combination offers several ways to create offense, but how the Rockets use those strengths will depend on Utah’s defensive coverage and the game’s flow.

Utah’s starting group features George and Peterson handling much of the perimeter creation, with Green, Bailey and Hayes supplying additional size and athleticism. The lineup puts multiple young players in prominent roles. Their early defensive communication and ability to protect the ball will be important against Houston’s pressure, but those are matchup questions rather than guaranteed outcomes.

When and where is Utah at Houston?

The NBA lists the game for Friday, November 13, at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The Rockets’ official game notes give a 7:30 p.m. Central start, and the NBA game page displays 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Houston is on Central Standard Time (CST, UTC−06:00) on this date; Eastern Standard Time is UTC−05:00. The game begins at 01:30 UTC on Saturday, November 14.

The official fixture ID is 0022600039. It is part of the Emirates NBA Cup’s West Group A schedule. The NBA’s [game center] lists the matchup and venue; Houston’s [official game notes] confirm the Houston start time and Toyota Center setting.

What should fans watch for after the lineups are announced?

The confirmed starting fives clarify the opening matchups, especially in the backcourt and around the rim. Houston can look to its established scorers and Sengun’s playmaking, while Utah’s guards will need to organize possessions against a physical opponent. Whether Utah can keep the game controlled in transition and limit second chances could shape the early tempo.

Lineup confirmation does not settle every availability question. Houston’s game notes list Steven Adams and Clint Capela as out, alongside Marcus Smart, who is listed out under league suspension. These details are presented as Houston’s reported status in the notes; game-day designations can change, so consult the latest [NBA injury report] for updates. The available fixture information does not establish a final score or result, and none should be inferred before the game is played.

How can fans follow Rockets vs. Jazz?

The NBA game center provides the official matchup page, live status and box score when available. Houston’s game notes list Space City Home Network, with KBME 790 and KTRH 740 radio coverage. Broadcast availability can vary by location and provider, so check the [NBA schedule for November 13] or local listings before tipoff.

FAQ: Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz

What time does the game start?

Tipoff is scheduled for November 13 at 7:30 p.m. Houston CST (UTC−06:00), which is November 14 at 01:30 UTC.

Who is starting for Houston and Utah?

Houston’s starters are VanVleet, Thompson, Durant, Smith Jr. and Sengun. Utah’s starters are George, Peterson, Green, Bailey and Hayes.

Where is the game being played?

The NBA Cup West Group A game is at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.