With two separate back-to-backs coming up this week, veteran forward Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle) still appears to be on an injury maintenance plan for the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets will play Tuesday and Wednesday at home versus Denver and Memphis, followed by games against San Antonio on Saturday and Sunday — the first on the road, and the second at home.
For Tuesday’s game, Tate is listed by the Rockets as out due to right ankle injury maintenance. That typically means there isn’t a new injury, but the team is simply taking a precaution based on that player’s injury history. Given Tate’s 2022-23 season, that makes sense.
Tate returned from a multi-month absence on Jan. 5, but he’s played above 25 minutes in only one game and hasn’t exceeded 30 yet.
Known best for his defense, Tate is averaging 8.4 points (46.8% FG, 29.0% on 3-pointers), 3.7 assists, and 2.6 assists in 21.5 minutes per game this season. That minutes total would be a career low for the 27-year-old, who is in his third NBA season.
With Tate out, rookie forward Tari Eason is among the players who could receive more minutes from head coach Stephen Silas.
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