Rockets hopeful of Victor Oladipo, PJ Tucker returning by next game

PJ Tucker practiced with the Rockets on Friday, while Oladipo went through an individual workout and should practice over the weekend.

With Friday and Saturday’s scheduled home games postponed due to the effects of this week’s winter storm in Texas, the Houston Rockets could potentially benefit from the unexpected time off.

The Rockets (11-17) have lost their last seven games, in large part due to a crushing wave of simultaneous injuries to key players. Three starters (Christian Wood, Victor Oladipo, and PJ Tucker) have each sat out multiple games, while top reserve Eric Gordon missed time, as well.

But Gordon returned in Wednesday’s close loss at Philadelphia, and now it appears that Tucker and Oladipo will each return in time for Houston’s next game on Monday night versus Chicago. Tucker (left thigh contusion) practiced with the Rockets on Friday, and while Oladipo (right foot strain) did not, he went through an individual workout and is expected to be cleared for team activities later this weekend.

“He was able to be on the floor [today],” Silas said of Oladipo. “Hopefully he will be able to practice one of these next couple days.”

Houston’s defense has slipped in recent losses without Oladipo and Tucker, who are arguably the team’s most important defenders. Oladipo, a two-time All-Star, is among the top scorers on the Rockets, as well.

Earlier Friday, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported that the Rockets were hopeful of Oladipo’s return as early as Monday.

“We’re gonna take lemons and make lemonade,” Silas said following Friday’s practice at Toyota Center. “We’ll practice and get better organized, and let guys who have been injured get back healthy. … As bad as it is to cancel games, we’re gonna use it to our advantage.”

While Wood’s return from a right ankle sprain is less imminent, the star big man indicated Thursday that he expects to return within two weeks.

[lawrence-related id=45237,45206]