November 7th Injury Report for Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns
· Yahoo Sports
On Saturday November 7th, the Houston Rockets (7-2) are visiting the Phoenix Suns (2-5) for another game on the road. The official NBA injury report puts Ime Udoka in familiar territory, without the help of both backup centers. Phoenix will mainly be without their starting center, Mark Williams.
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With the Portland Trailblazers (6-1) and Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) facing off in the Emirates NBA Cup tonight, a Rockets’ win tomorrow automatically grants them second-place in the West. However, the Blazers will play again tomorrow, so it could be short-lived.
When: Saturday, November 7th @ 8:00 PM CT
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Where to watch: Local Broadcasting, NBA League Pass (with subscription)
Houston Rockets Injury Report
Out: Steven Adams (C), right soleus strain. Hasn't played since the October 23 win over San Antonio, and will be re-evaluated weekly.
Out: Clint Capela (C), right ankle sprain. Hasn't played since Halloween night, and is missing his third straight game.
Out: Bruce Thornton (G), G-League assignment.
Out: Julian Phillips (F), G-League/Two-Way.
Out: Quadir Copeland (G), G-League/Two-Way.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report
Out: Mark Williams (C), torn left labrum. Hasn't played yet this season and is expected to miss significant time.
Doubtful: Jordan Goodwin (G), right calf injury management. Hasn’t played since November 2nd.
Questionable: Rasheer Fleming (F), left ankle sprain. Hasn’t played since October 26th.
Why It Matters
Mark Williams hasn’t touched the court after tearing his labrum on September 10th. That was exactly 11 weeks after signing a three-year extension worth $38 million.
That’s a legitimate setback, helping explain this team’s early-season struggles. Even with Phoenix near the bottom of the standings, it’s not a group that the Rockets should take lightly.
Let’s not forget, the Dallas Mavericks handed Houston their first loss of the season. Much like the Suns, they were without their springy starting center, Dereck Lively II.
That loss came on the second night of a back-to-back, whereas Ime Udoka will have a rested squad tonight —— but they still can’t underestimate their competition. A loss in Phoenix would be embarrassing.
Despite having Adams and Capela sidelined, the Rockets can still use rebounding to their advantage. While they don’t have the impressive numbers from last season, they’re still better than the Suns.
Phoenix is currently the worst rebounding team in the league, as they really struggle to close out their defensive possessions with a board. This is a great way for active players like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason to get some easy buckets.
It can also help Houston get in the bonus early, and the Suns love to foul. They commit the sixth-most fouls per game, while Houston commits less than all but two other teams in the league. That average might increase if the game gets chippy, though.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we see emotions flaring in this Saturday night matchup, but the Rockets should be able to walk away with a win in they protect the ball and maximize their possessions.
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