With a clear emphasis on long-range shooting and defensive versatility, the new-look Houston Rockets made their debut in Thursday’s nationally televised game in Los Angeles against the Lakers.
The Rockets (32-18) entered Thursday’s showdown with six wins in their last eight games, while the host Lakers (38-11) have the best record in the Western Conference.
It also represents Houston’s first game after the NBA’s trade deadline and the moves that sent out starting center Clint Capela while bringing in forwards Robert Covington and Bruno Cabaclo. Cabaclo is out with an injury for the time being, but Covington is cleared to play.
Covington did not start, with the Rockets sticking to their recent frontcourt of P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr. flanked by usual guards James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Eric Gordon. Entering Thursday, the Rockets were 4-0 with that frontcourt over the last 10 days.
Mike D’Antoni said Robert Covington will play tonight off the bench. Russell Westbrook will be available
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 7, 2020
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Given the high price the Rockets paid for Covington, it’s probably a safe bet that he will eventually start over House. As of Thursday, Covington had yet to go through a single Houston practice, which head coach Mike D’Antoni prefers to see before placing a new player into a large role.
Best known for his defense, Covington is averaging 12.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 29.4 minutes per game this season. The lanky 6-foot-7 forward, who is shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.6% on 3-pointers, offers the defensive versatility to guard several positions.
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Earlier in the day, D’Antoni explained what he and the Rockets see in Covington, adding that he “fits right into what we do.”
Mike D’Antoni on the addition of Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33): “He’ll be a good perimeter player that fits right into what we do and adds more shooting and more defense. I’m excited to have Robert.” #Rockets
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 6, 2020
Mike D’Antoni says it will not be complicated adding Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) to the #Rockets rotation: “The way we play and what’s asked of him fits his skill set. It’s just getting used to certain things that we do and things that he does. It shouldn’t be that hard.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 6, 2020
As expected, Tucker assumes Capela’s former role as the starting center. The Rockets are 10-1 in games without Capela this season, including the recent 4-0 stretch with Tucker at center. Meanwhile, Covington will take many of the vacated minutes at power forward.
In the backcourt, Westbrook returned to the lineup after a one-game absence due to a sprained left thumb. Westbrook will sit out Friday’s game in Phoenix, but for planned maintenance rather than the thumb injury, since it’s the second half of a back-to-back sequence of games.
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Mike D’Antoni asked how long it’ll take him to adjust to having Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) in his rotation: “I expect it to happen tonight. I expect him to play well tonight.” #Rockets
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 6, 2020