The Rockets are missing two key regulars for tonight’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 suffering the sprain 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, John Hollinger of The Athletic reports. Unavailable to book the 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 its 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 tonight’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 Morant could play this week, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.