The Portland Trail Blazers, who lost 109-99 at the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, now face the Houston Rockets, another young team on the rise.

The Blazers are following the blueprint for success that the Thunder and Rockets have established in recent years. The Rockets went 20-62 in 2021-22, 22-60 the following season, 41-41 last season, and are now 11-5.

Through the draft, the Rockets picked Jalen Green, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson op. They also traded a pair of future first-round picks to the Thunder for the rights to center Alperen Sengun, who was selected 16th overall in 2021.

Two seasons ago, Houston added veterans Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet to mentor the younger players.

The Rockets win despite shooting just 32.5% from three-point range (28th), behind the Blazers at 25th (33.4%). Houston ranks 25th in field goal percentage (44.4%).

How? The Rockets rank second in defensive rating (104.8), first in rebounding percentage (58%) and fourth in points fewer than turnovers (20.6).

They also rank second in offensive recovery rate (35.5%), leading to 18.1 second-chance points (second), helping the team maintain a solid offensive rating of 113.3 (11th).

As a result, Houston has a net rating of plus 8.5 (fifth).

Essentially, the Blazers will take a team to Houston that ranks 29th in turnovers per game (17.4) to take on a Rockets team that specializes in playing elite defense to create turnovers and points to score.

Additionally, the Blazers’ top two point guards are dealing with injuries.

Both Anfernee Simons (right hand sprain) and Scoot Henderson (left quad contusion) are questionable but expected to play.

Prediction: This is a bad matchup for the Blazers. The upside is that Houston’s offense isn’t great, so if the Blazers can minimize turnovers, they could have a chance to win. But is that realistic against a team like Houston? No. Take the missiles.

Emirates Cup: This is both teams’ second tournament match of the season. The Blazers are coming off a win over Minnesota. Houston defeated the LA Clippers.

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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT HOUSTON ROCKETS

Trail Blazers (6-9) at Rockets (11-5), 5 p.m., Friday.

Where: Toyota Center, Houston.

Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).

TV channel: KATU Charge (Antenna: 2.1 and 2.2 in Portland. Comcast: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. Dish: Available January 1).

How to watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE using an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (cost 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost about $20. You can buy one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or Amazon and have it delivered to your home quickly. Here are some instructions for installing an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is broadcasting in your area by using the channel finder here.

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CHANCES (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)

Moneyline: POR +575 | HOU-850

Spread: POR +13.5 | Top/Bottom: 217

INJURIES

Wind players: Anfernee Simons (right hand sprain) and Jerami Grant (disease) are available. Scot Henderson (left quad contusion), Deandre Ayton (right index finger) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are out.

Missiles: No.

NEXT

The Blazers will play the Rockets again on Saturday at 5 p.m.