Tag: DJ Augustin

Pacers at Rockets: Wednesday’s lineups, injury reports and broadcast info

Houston has more injuries, but they could have a scheduling edge, since Indiana is the road team and on the second night of a back-to-back.

When the Rockets traded James Harden in January, they could have received Caris LeVert from the Brooklyn Nets as part of the blockbuster package. Instead, though, general manager Rafael Stone chose to re-direct LeVert to Indiana, with the Rockets receiving Victor Oladipo — and eventually, Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley, and a pick swap.

On Wednesday, LeVert, Olynyk, and Bradley will share the court at Toyota Center in Houston. That presents an opportunity to LeVert and his new team to perhaps show the Rockets what they missed out on.

At No. 9 in the East, the Pacers have playoff positioning on the line and much more to play for. By contrast, the Rockets — who are on a three-game losing streak — have the NBA’s second-worst record, and they’re currently only a half-game ahead of Minnesota in the league’s cellar.

Yet, it’s not as if Houston is devoid of any positives. The Rockets were competitive on Monday night in Phoenix, even against the squad with the second-best record in the Western Conference. Young players including Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., and Armoni Brooks all played well. If not for veteran John Wall shooting just 5-of-20 from the field (25%), it’s possible that the Rockets could have pulled off the upset.

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In Wall’s last home outing, he had a game-high 31 points and 7 assists in Houston’s surprising win over Dallas. One week later and in the same building, the five-time All-Star looks to recapture that form.

Here’s when you should tune in to see Wednesday’s game:

  • Date: Wednesday, April 14
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. Central
  • TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
  • Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)

Probable starting lineups

Houston Rockets (14-40)

  • Guard: John Wall
  • Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
  • Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
  • Forward: Kelly Olynyk
  • Center: Christian Wood

Indiana Pacers (25-27)

  • Guard: Malcolm Brogdon
  • Guard: Edmond Sumner
  • Forward: Caris LeVert
  • Forward: Justin Holiday
  • Center: Domantas Sabonis

Houston’s injury report is extensive, with Sterling Brown (left knee), DJ Augustin (left ankle), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), David Nwaba (right wrist), Dante Exum (right calf) and Eric Gordon (right groin) all listed as out. On the other side, Indiana’s report will not be released until midday Wednesday, since they played on Tuesday. In that game, Myles Turner (left ankle) and TJ Warren (left foot) were the only absences.

Nonetheless, even if the Pacers have more available bodies, the Rockets will be at home and should have a scheduling edge by not having played the night before. That could give them a path to compete.

Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Rockets lose veterans Sterling Brown, DJ Augustin to leg injuries

Brown missed Monday’s game in Phoenix with left knee soreness, while Augustin left early after spraining his left ankle.

The struggling and short-handed Houston Rockets lost even more bodies on their recently completed road trip on the West Coast. However, they hope the latest wave of injuries is more temporary.

Veteran guard Sterling Brown (sore left knee) did not play on Monday in Phoenix with what head coach Stephen Silas referred to as a “grade 1 strain.” Brown appears unlikely to return in time for Wednesday’s home game versus Indiana, but he could be back for Friday versus Indiana.

Meanwhile, reserve backcourt mate DJ Augustin left Monday’s game early after spraining his left ankle. He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game, which complicates his short-term prognosis.

Understandably, the Rockets lost Monday’s game at Phoenix (38-15), which has the second-best record in the Western Conference. With the loss, Houston (14-40) tied Minnesota for the NBA’s worst mark.

Brown averages 8.2 points (42.3% on 3-pointers) and 4.4 rebounds in 24.1 minutes, while Augustin is at 9.9 points (36.0% on 3-pointers) and 4.2 assists in 20.4 minutes per game in Houston. Both are among the top 3-point shooters on a team that otherwise struggles in that area.

Brown and Augustin join a long injury report that already includes Eric Gordon (right groin), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), David Nwaba (right wrist), and Dante Exum (right calf). None are expected to return in the immediate future, with Nwaba likely done for the 2020-21 season.

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Kevin Porter Jr. battles Kyrie Irving as Rockets fade late versus Nets

Houston led by 18 points in the game’s opening minutes, but Irving (32 points, 12 assists) and the Nets took control in the second half.

Promising second-year guard Kevin Porter Jr. had a team-high 20 points (56.3% FG) and 6 assists, but the Houston Rockets lost Wednesday’s game to Kyrie Irving and host Brooklyn, 120-108 (box score). The star-studded Nets (33-15) have now won 19 of their last 22 games.

Houston raced out to a 24-6 lead in the game’s opening minutes and scored 42 points in the first quarter, but the Nets seized control as the game moved forward. Irving led the way with a game-high 32 points and 12 assists, while former Houston star James Harden added 17 points before leaving early with right hamstring tightness. Brooklyn sharpshooter Joe Harris scored 28, with seven made 3-pointers (58.3%).

Star center Christian Wood had 14 points and 8 rebounds for the Rockets, but he shot a disappointing 4-of-12 (33.3%) and had three turnovers. Danuel House Jr. scored 18 and hit 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50.0%), while veteran reserves Kelly Olynyk and DJ Augustin added 14 and 11 points, respectively. Usual starting point guard John Wall did not play due to a left knee injury, and his return timetable is unclear.

Houston’s offense increasingly struggled throughout the game as Brooklyn transitioned to more switching on defense, which head coach Stephen Silas made clear in his postgame comments (see below).

The Rockets (13-34) return to action on Friday night in Boston. For now, here’s a look at highlights and postgame reaction from Brooklyn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxmfqJooyXE

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https://twitter.com/AdamSpolane/status/1377448473977618438

Kevin Porter Jr. makes epic return as Rockets get revenge in Minnesota

In a convincing win for Houston, Porter scored 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting (66.7%) from the field, including 3-of-5 on 3-pointers.

One night after a historic collapse versus the NBA’s worst team by record, the Houston Rockets got some revenge on that same floor.

Even with star center Christian Wood sidelined with a sore right ankle, the Rockets cruised past the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, 129-107 (box score). Houston scored 41 points in the first quarter and raced out to a 29-point lead before halftime. It was a stark contrast from Friday, which represented only the fourth NBA game in the last 25 years in which a team went scoreless over the final 7:30 of the fourth quarter.

For the Rockets (13-32), who were on a historic 20-game losing streak earlier in the week, it’s their second victory in four games since. With the win, Houston increased its lead over Minnesota (11-35) to 2.5 games in the race to avoid last place in the Western Conference.

After missing the last three games with right quad soreness, second-year guard Kevin Porter Jr. returned and scored a team-high 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting (66.7%), including 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%). Part of the motivation behind Thursday’s decision to trade Victor Oladipo was reportedly to give Porter a consistent role as a starter, and the 20-year-old took full advantage in his first opportunity since the deal.

Another standout was newly acquired big man Kelly Olynyk, who started in place of Wood for his Houston debut and had 16 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers), 4 assists, and 3 steals in 25 minutes. DJ Augustin added 20 points and 4 assists in 24 minutes off the bench, while Sterling Brown scored 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting (66.7%) on 3-pointers. Veteran floor general John Wall had 13 points and a game-high 12 assists.

Star center Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 27 points and 15 rebounds, while rookie Anthony Edwards also scored 27. However, the majority of those points came in extensive garbage time, with the Rockets in complete control over the game’s final three-plus quarters.

The Rockets will return to action when Memphis visits Houston’s Toyota Center on Monday night. For now, here’s a look back at highlights and postgame reaction from Saturday night in Minneapolis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFm4qJGDIpQ

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In battle of NBA’s worst, Rockets lament historic collapse at Minnesota

For those wanting superior draft-lottery odds, Friday’s stunning collapse by Houston versus the NBA’s worst team could prove beneficial.

In a battle of the NBA’s two worst teams by record, and with draft-lottery odds arguably the biggest prize, the Rockets pulled off a nearly impossible loss by going scoreless over Friday’s final seven-plus minutes in Minnesota. Houston has now lost 22 of its last 23 games, overall.

A jumper from DJ Augustin put Houston up 16 with 7:31 left in the game, and they were then outscored 22-0 the rest of the way in a stunning 107-101 victory (box score) for the Timberwolves. With the win, Minnesota improved to 11-34, which puts the Rockets (12-32) within range of the league’s worst mark — and with a rematch looming in under 24 hours.

Per ESPN Stats & Info, Houston is just the fourth NBA team over the last 25 years to go scoreless over the last 7:30 of a game.

Star center Karl-Anthony Towns was the clear standout for Minnesota with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists, while his counterpart, Christian Wood, led the Rockets with 24 points and 9 rebounds.

John Wall dished out a season-high 15 assists, but he shot just 6-of-25 (24.0%) from the field and went 0-of-6 in the decisive and isolation-heavy fourth quarter. Wall also had a game-high seven turnovers.

Augustin added 13 points off the bench for Houston, while starting forwards Sterling Brown (11 points, 11 rebounds) and Jae’Sean Tate (10 points, 7 rebounds) each scored in double-figures. With Danuel House Jr. out for personal reasons, Ben McLemore started in his place and scored a season-high 21 points on 7-of-14 (50.0%) from 3-point range.

Houston and Minnesota will play again on Saturday night, also at Target Center in Minneapolis. For now, here’s a look at highlights and postgame reaction following night one of the back-to-back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAC0j-nu-0Q

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Rafael Stone, Stephen Silas react to Rockets-Bucks trade involving PJ Tucker, DJ Augustin

“We think this deal provides us with flexibility to get really good, young players, but also to be aggressive in pursuing current players.”

With the trade of PJ Tucker to the Milwaukee Bucks now official, Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas were each allowed Friday to discuss the transaction.

The Bucks are sending young big man D.J. Wilson and veteran point guard DJ Augustin to the Rockets in exchange for Tucker and Rodions Kurucs. The teams are also exchanging draft assets in 2021, 2022 and 2023 with Houston getting more value as part of a complex series of swaps.

Regarding the deal, Stone said (via Mark Berman)

We’re happy for PJ. He’s an exceptional competitor and he’s been an enormous part of our success for the last few years. We’re happy for him that he’s gonna get the opportunity, at this point in his career, to pursue a championship again this year with another team. In terms of the trade, we think it’s good for Milwaukee. They’re getting a guy who can really make a difference winning at the very top level.

For us, we think it makes sense. It’s good for our future, and we’re also excited about DJ Augustin, a guy who has real Houston ties and is an elite shooter, and we think can help us immediately on the court and in the locker room. We think this deal provides us with additional flexibility to get really good, young players, but also to be aggressive in pursuing current NBA players.

A career 37.9% shooter from 3-point range, Augustin is nearly level with that lofty mark in the 2020-21 season (38.0%).

As for Silas, who spoke before Friday night’s home game against Detroit, Houston’s head coach told reporters:

I’m excited about both of them. I’m excited about DJ Augustin, I coached him in Charlotte for a couple years. I know what he brings, as far as professionalism, as far as shot-making, as far as getting the team organized. And he’s very excited to be here, which is great.

D.J. Wilson, I don’t know him very well, but he’s a big body, live body. He hasn’t really gotten a chance to show what he can do, so he’ll get an opportunity here to play some. We’ll figure out what his strengths are, and how he fits in with the group. We’re definitely excited to have both guys.

Silas said that both Augustin and Wilson had completed their physicals with the Rockets, as did Tucker and Kurucs with the Bucks, so each player in the deal was eligible as of Friday night to play for his new team.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADmeCyCiyf4

Rockets agree to trade PJ Tucker to Bucks for DJ Wilson, DJ Augustin, draft assets

Houston is taking in Wilson, Augustin, and Milwaukee’s first-round pick in the 2021 draft, along with an exchange of 2022 and 2023 picks.

The Houston Rockets agreed to trade PJ Tucker and Rodions Kurucs to the Milwaukee Bucks for forward DJ Wilson, guard DJ Augustin, and a vast array of draft considerations over the next three seasons.

Tucker, a longtime defensive stalwart for the Rockets, is in the final year of his contract and recently requested a trade after he wasn’t able to come to terms with the team on his desired contract extension. The Bucks will also offer the 35-year-old a chance to compete for his first NBA title, which Tucker couldn’t realistically do in Houston following the departure of superstar guard James Harden in January.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, here’s what the Rockets are trading and receiving in exchange for a package headlined by Tucker:

Houston gets: DJ Augustin, DJ Wilson, Milwaukee’s lightly protected first-round draft pick in 2021, Milwaukee’s unprotected first-round draft pick in 2023

Milwaukee gets: PJ Tucker, Rodions Kurucs, Houston’s second-round draft pick in 2021, Milwaukee’s first-round draft pick in 2022 [which Houston had owned]

From a draft perspective, Houston is effectively bumping up its second-round pick in the 2021 draft to Milwaukee’s first-round position. The swap is protected if Milwaukee is in the top nine, but at 25-14, that is incredibly unlikely to happen — since the Bucks are currently No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, with over half the season already gone.

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The Rockets are also swapping Milwaukee’s 2022 first-round pick for one in 2023, which is unprotected. With the Bucks led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the foreseeable future, general manager Rafael Stone likely wanted to push back that pick, since the delay allows more time for Milwaukee’s outlook to potentially worsen. There’s also the possibility that the 2023 draft might be stronger, since that could be the year that high schoolers are once again deemed draft-eligible.

As for the players Houston picked up, Augustin is a 33-year-old point guard who is under contract for approximately $7 million per year through the 2022-23 season. He’s averaging 6.1 points and 3.0 assists in 19.0 minutes per game this season, and at 38.0% on 3-pointers, he becomes Houston’s third-ranked shooter after Christian Wood and Sterling Brown. Augustin played college basketball at the University of Texas, which should make the transition to Houston an easy one for him.

While there isn’t a clear path to minutes for Augustin, since the Rockets have John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr. at point guard, Wall is currently out injured — and reports have indicated that he could undergo a knee scope later this season. That could provide Augustin with an opportunity.

The 5-foot-11 guard could also be traded again before the March 25 deadline, since the rebuilding Rockets (11-27) aren’t prioritizing veterans at the moment. However, since Augustin’s contract can’t be aggregated with others for 60 days following this deal, it would appear more likely for him to become a trade candidate in the offseason.

As for Wilson, he’s an athletic 6-foot-10 forward who is currently averaging 3.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per game. A first-round pick in the 2017 draft, the 25-year-old is in his fourth NBA season and is likely to enter restricted free agency this offseason.

Since the Rockets don’t have much in the way of proven production behind Christian Wood at center, Wilson could get an opportunity late in the 2020-21 season to showcase his value after being buried on the Milwaukee bench for much of his tenure there.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzgiKFysjl4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=578AcEtsNgo

All-time starting lineup of former Texas basketball players

Shane Carter lists his all-time starting lineup composed of only former Texas players.

The Texas Longhorns basketball program has had many great players come through the Forty Acres. Continue reading “All-time starting lineup of former Texas basketball players”

Four former Longhorns to compete in the NBA’s bubble playoffs

The NBA season will now turn to the playoffs down in Orlando. Four former Horns will be in action across the Eastern and Western Conference.

After eight games in the NBA bubble, their season will now turn to the playoffs down in Orlando, FL. Four former Longhorns will be in action across both the Eastern and Western Conference.

Starting in the East, Jarett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets, D.J. Augustin of the Orlando Magic, and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers will be vying for their first NBA championships.

Turner has become a star for the Pacers, averaging 12.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. However, he did miss Indiana’s finale against Miami, dealing with a wrist injury and being listed as day-to-day.

Brooklyn was supposed to feature two former Longhorns in Allen and Kevin Durant. An Achilles injury has sidelined Durant for the entire year and the duo will have to wait another year.

In the meantime, Allen has been averaging nearly a double-double, with 11.1 points and 9.6 points per game. He is the Nets’ second-leading rebounder, only behind DeAndre Jordan, who has 10.0 per game.

Finally in the East, Augustin has a tough mountain the climb against the one-seed Milwaukee Bucks. The point guard finished the regular season second on the Magic in assists, having 4.6 per game and adding 10.5 points per game.

Moving over to the West and Houston Rockets’ star P.J. Tucker. The 6-5 forward is shooting 35% from three this year, averaging 6.9 points per game. He has been a consistent player for head coach Mike Dantoni, playing 34.3 minutes per game. Houston will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder.

All NBA playoff games can be found either on ABC, ESPN, NBATV, or TNT.

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