The Rockets are missing two key regulars for Tuesday’s game against Chicago. Tari Eason (right ankle sprain) and Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) are sitting out, Will Guillory of The Athletic tweets.
Eason also missed Houston’s loss to Sacramento on Sunday after spraining his ankle against Portland on Friday. Finney-Smith has been eased back into action after undergoing ankle surgery during the offseason.
Here’s more from the Southwest Division:
- The Rockets had an added inconvenience prior to their game against Sacramento on Sunday, John Hollinger of The Athletic reports. Unavailable to book their preferred hotel in Sacramento because the Lakers and Knicks had taken all the rooms, the Rockets stayed in San Francisco and then bused 85 miles to the Kings’ home arena on Sunday afternoon. As Hollinger notes, the Rockets have played 23 of their first 36 games on the road, tying an NBA record. That includes 11 road contests since Dec. 15, which gives them at least a partial excuse for their poor outing against the Kings.
- Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey (right hip flexor strain) has been upgraded to probable for Tuesday’s game against Denver, Guillory tweets. Bey has missed six games due to the injury. Bey, who is in the second year of a three-year deal, has averaged 15.1 points and 5.9 rebounds after missing last season due to a torn ACL.
- Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, the subject of heavy trade rumors since it was reported earlier this month the team was listening to offers for him, could return to action this week. The Grizzlies are playing the Magic in Berlin on Thursday and London on Sunday. Coach Tuomas Iisalo said the calf bruise that has sidelined Morant for five games is progressing to the point where there’s “a chance” that Morant will be available for one or both of those international contests, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
You watch Keldon lols. He has size and uses it. He is a nice SG with size. I think he can be major. With Castle there its ridiculous how much talent they have at their guards.
Champagnie is a from my area. Is becoming a player man. Good to see.
Bey is one guy to watch. Really underrated. He’s still coming back from that serious injury, so I would say next season is the one where he really breaks out.
Chet isn’t a center. He can pkay some. He can’t handle real Centers on defense. IHart should be there.,and Sorber who’s hurt.
Didn’t I tell you Thunder have trouble with good centers. …. Thats why they drafted Sorber.
Good game ….. Wemby looks like he wants to make a statement.
Thunder showing their bench.
Thunder playing huh ….. MVP
Why did the Lakers and Knicks have all the rooms of the Rockets preferred hotel in Sacramento booked on the day before/day of the Rockets game at Sacramento?
Even so, is there not another suitable hotel in Sacramento the Rockets could live with for one freaking night that’s not 85 miles away and doesn’t require a 2 hour bus ride mere hours before game time?