[Eddy from Austin]

PROJECTED INACTIVE PLAYERS

Spurs: Jackson, Leonard, Green.

Rockets: Scott Machado, Royce White.

NOTABLE

Spurs conclude three-game homestand against remade Houston team that returns just five players from last season.

… Last season’s Sixth Man of the Year with Oklahoma City, Harden is averaging 23.6 points, 5.4 assists in first season as Rockets starter.

… Houston ranks third in NBA in scoring (103.7 ppg.); Spurs are fifth at 102.6 ppg. … Spurs’ four losses have come against three teams that are a combined 37-14.

… Spurs are 8-2 this season when tied or trailing after three quarters, including past two wins over Memphis and Milwaukee.

… Sampson is 7-5 as Houston’s interim coach during Kevin McHale’s leave of absence, granted to deal with the death of his daughter. Sampson’s Rockets are 0-4 on the road.