Though they were not listed on earlier injury reports, the Houston Rockets updated their status report on Monday to include veteran guards John Wall (left Achilles injury recovery) and Eric Gordon (rest). Both will sit out tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Rockets also play Tuesday night in New Orleans, and Wall has sat out one game of all back-to-backs this season as part of a long-term maintenance program. At least for this week, Stephen Silas and the Rockets appear to be utilizing a similar plan with the 32-year-old Gordon.
Victor Oladipo has also sat out one game of all back-to-backs this season, and to this point, the Rockets have staggered the absences of Oladipo and Wall. If that holds, Oladipo could rest on Tuesday in New Orleans. While the 28-year-old recently expressed some openness to playing in both ends of a back-to-back at some point this season, it’s unclear whether the Rockets (11-11) would go down that road this early.
As for Monday, it’s not known who will start alongside Oladipo in the backcourt. With Wall and Gordon both unavailable, candidates include David Nwaba, Sterling Brown, and rookie Mason Jones.
Monday’s tipoff between the Rockets and Hornets is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Central from the Spectrum Center. Charlotte (11-13) will be slightly short-handed in the backcourt, as well, with third-leading scorer Devonte’ Graham sidelined due to a left groin strain.
[lawrence-related id=44774,44772]
John Wall (Left Achilles Injury Recovery) and Eric Gordon (Rest) are out tonight vs. Charlotte
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) February 8, 2021