ISTANBUL, JAN 29 – Houston Rockets defeated Portland Trail Blazers with a 104-101 score in Friday’s NBA game. Christian Wood led the Rockets to victory, making a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds at Toyota Center.

Victor Oladipo was the highest scorer of his team with 25 points and seven rebounds, while John Wall produced 20 points.

For the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard helped his team with 30 points and nine assists in the losing effort.

Following this win, the Rockets improved to 8 wins and 9 losses to be in the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings.

Pacers’ LeVert underwent successful cancer surgery

Indiana Pacers guard Caris LeVert underwent successful surgery to treat renal cell carcinoma of his left kidney, an NBA said Charania announced on Twitter.

“He is expected to make a full recovery,” Shams Charania added.

LeVert, 26, averaged 18.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 12 games for the Nets during the 2020-21 season before going to Pacers as part of the James Harden trade.

Longtime NBA writer, analyst dies

A longtime NBA reporter and analyst Sekou Smith died because of coronavirus at age 48. Smith covered the news around the NBA for more than 20 years.

“The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family. Sekou was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA and a terrific friend to so many across the league,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

Smith covered the NBA for Turner Sports in the last 11 years.

“The Turner Sports family mourns the loss of our very own, Sekou Smith. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” a message on Twitter by NBA TV said.

Results:

Houston Rockets – Portland Trail Blazers: 104-101

Detroit Pistons – Los Angeles Lakers: 107-92

Miami Heat – Los Angeles Clippers: 105-109

Phoenix Suns – Golden State Warriors: 114-93