As All-Star break ends, Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green still sidelined for Rockets
As expected, Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) and Jalen Green (left groin strain) aren’t likely to play when the Houston Rockets emerge from the All-Star break on Friday at Golden State.
Porter hasn’t played since injuring his toe in early January, while Green left Houston’s Feb. 15 game early after straining his groin.
While both guards did some shooting at Wednesday’s team practice, which was the first for the Rockets since an extended All-Star break, Silas said neither was a practice participant in team drills.
Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Silas said:
Neither of them practiced. I doubt that either of them plays in the Golden State game, and we’re just going to take it day-by-day. There’s still pain in the toe for Scoot (Porter) and tightness for Jalen. There’s a small chance we’ll get one of them back for Portland.
Rockets to play without Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. when season resumes https://t.co/LJ2YAmcUDz via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 23, 2023
With Houston’s top two scorers out, expect center Alperen Sengun to get more shot attempts and playmaking opportunities. As for the backcourt, with both starters sidelined, veteran Jae’Sean Tate and rookie TyTy Washington were the lineup replacements when the Rockets last played in Oklahoma City. Since then, Silas has had over a week to further consider his options with a short-handed group.
The rebuilding Rockets (13-45), who still own the NBA’s worst record, will resume play versus the Warriors (29-29) at 9:00 p.m. Central on Friday. The defending champions are short-handed, as well, with veteran star Steph Curry sidelined by a lower leg injury.
