After playing extremely shorthanded in two consecutive games, the Houston Rockets should have several reinforcements in time for their next game on Monday in Chicago, according to head coach Stephen Silas.
Veteran guard Eric Gordon (left lower leg tightness) and center DeMarcus Cousins (right ankle soreness) are each probable for Monday. Gordon missed the last two games with what the team has described as a minor issue, while Cousins sat out Saturday. Sterling Brown, who also missed Saturday’s game, is questionable for Monday with his own leg injury.
John Wall will miss his third straight game with left knee soreness, though Silas said after Sunday’s practice that it is not a major concern. “I don’t believe it’s a long-term deal, from the information I’m getting from the performance staff,” he said. “It seems like a day to day thing.”
Danuel House Jr. remains sidelined due to a mandatory self-isolation period under the NBA’s new COVID-19 health and safety protocols. His eventual return date to team activities is unknown, per Silas.
Coach Silas says DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Gordon are probable, Sterling Brown is questionable, and John Wall is out tomorrow vs. Chicago.
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) January 17, 2021
The potential return of at least two key veterans (Gordon, Cousins) and the debut of recent trade acquisition Victor Oladipo is critical for Silas, whose Rockets have only had nine and eight active players, respectively, over their last two games in San Antonio. Saturday’s number was the minimum requirement for an NBA game to be played.
Monday’s tipoff between the Rockets (4-7) and Bulls (4-8) is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time from Chicago’s United Center.
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Coach Silas is addressing that the team needs to be very smart in how they balance the minutes of Wall, Cousins and Oladipo, coming off the injuries they've had. They don't want to play them in the high 30s, low 40s. They want to find a balance of short-term and long-term success
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) January 17, 2021
Silas on John Wall's injury… He does not believe it's a long term deal, believes it's day to day. It wasn't a specific injury, it just sort of "popped up." They're being cautious.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) January 17, 2021
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