The Rockets were without three starters on Friday versus Toronto. Alperen Sengun (dental procedure) joined Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) and Eric Gordon (rest) on the sidelines.
It was not immediately clear whether any would be available for Houston’s preseason game on Monday in Miami.
None of the three are believed in jeopardy of missing Houston’s 2022-23 regular-season opener, which takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in Atlanta.
With Sengun, Gordon and Smith out, Bruno Fernando, Jae’Sean Tate and KJ Martin are among the likely replacements in Friday’s clash at Toyota Center between the Raptors and Rockets. It is Houston’s second and final home game of a four-game exhibition slate.
The Rockets were also without head coach Stephen Silas, who has been in the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocol for most of the week. His return timetable is not known.
With Silas out, Rockets assistant coach John Lucas has taken over as acting head coach.
Per Rockets : Stephen Silas is still in health & safety protocols, so John Lucas II will be in charge of tonight’s preseason game.
OUT:
Alperen Sengun (dental procedure)
Jabari Smith Jr (left ankle)
Eric Gordon (rest)— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) October 7, 2022
