With the Houston Rockets dealing with injuries in the backcourt, rookie TyTy Washington Jr. and second-year guard Josh Christopher could see larger roles.
Kevin Porter Jr. has missed the last 17 games due to a toe injury, and Jalen Green suffered a groin strain in the Rockets’ final game prior to the All-Star break on Feb. 15. Porter still has pain in his toe, and Green is dealing with tightness.
They are doubtful to play on Friday versus Golden State.
Rockets coach Stephen Silas revealed one of the two could play on Sunday against Portland, but added the team is taking the injuries day by day. The two games could serve as a chance for Washington and Christopher to log extended minutes.
“It is going to be a great opportunity,” said Silas, via Brian Barefield of Rockets Wire. “We need the ball handling and the scoring for sure. My response to them is always: ‘Stay ready; your time is coming.'”
Washington has played sparingly this season, averaging 4.1 points, 1.4 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 23 appearances. However, he logged at least 19 minutes in each of the Rockets’ last three games before the break and averaged six points and three assists.
Christopher is averaging 4.6 points and 1.1 rebounds in 40 games.
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The Rockets have the worst record in the NBA and have lost seven straight games entering play on Friday. The team will likely use its last 24 games of the season to take a closer look at some seldom-used players, such as Washington.
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