Rockets start Ben McLemore over Danuel House Jr. at small forward

The Rockets (25-12) changed their starting lineup Saturday by inserting Ben McLemore at small forward over the slumping Danuel House Jr.

The Houston Rockets started Ben McLemore over Danuel House Jr. at small forward in Saturday afternoon’s home game versus Minnesota.

It’s a big change for the 26-year-old House, who entering Saturday had started 29 of the 31 games that he had played in the 2019-20 season.

But the native Houstonian has been mired in a deep slump of late, shooting 31.8% from the field and 26.7% on 3-pointers in his last four games. He also had an emotional outburst earlier this week in Atlanta.

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Over that same four-game period, McLemore shot 50% from the field and 48% on 3-pointers, averaging 9.5 points in 22.2 minutes per game. The former 2013 NBA Draft lottery pick started Saturday alongside usual backcourt starters Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

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The Rockets did win three games in that four-game stretch, but the 21-point loss at Oklahoma City (22-16) was one of their worst performances of the entire season, In particular, offense was a big problem, with the Rockets (25-12) scoring just 67 points in the first three quarters and making just seven 3-pointers in their first 33 attempts (21.2%).

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For the season, McLemore ranks second in the entire NBA in net offensive rating. In 37 games (eight starts), the 26-year-old is averaging 10.0 points in 23.9 minutes per game on 36.5% shooting from 3-point range.

At 6-foot-3, McLemore’s presence in the starting lineup will make the Rockets smaller than they usually are with the 6-foot-6 House. But Mike D’Antoni seemingly believes that the upgrade on offense is worth it. It’s unclear whether the move will stick on a long-term basis.

Tip-off between the Rockets (25-12) and Timberwolves (15-22) is scheduled for 4 p.m. Central from Toyota Center. Isaiah Hartenstein will start at center over Clint Capela (heel injury), while Eric Gordon will play off the bench for Houston after a one-game absence due to a sore knee.

All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns is out for Minnesota due to illness. Entering Saturday’s game, the Rockets had won 15 straight games (including the 2018 playoffs) against the Timberwolves in Houston.

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