Nene returns to the rotation
Backup center Nene, who had not played in the Rockets’ previous five games and had just one game with more than five minutes in the past 10 contests, returned to the rotation Sunday and is expected to play Tuesday as the Rockets begin working to get him sharp for the playoffs.
“We want to keep everybody kind of in a rhythm with all the players we have,” coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He needs some rhythm. He needs to play. I think we know with the combinations what we get from him. We have a bunch of games left that we can get him back into a rhythm. That shouldn’t be a problem.”
Ryan Anderson, who had played at center in the past five games, was held out of the second half of the back-to-back.
Lead can allow for some liberties
The Rockets’ determination to mix in rest days for their regulars in the final weeks of the regular season is more than partially inspired by their lead on the Warriors for the Western Conference’s top seed.
Asked how much that plays into it, coach Mike D’Antoni said: “Everything, everything. If you want to come in first and have to win every game, you don’t take chances to rest guys.
“With a little bit of a lead, we can take liberties. Like, Chris (Paul, who sat out a third game with a sore hamstring) probably could have played (Sunday) but we want to be extra cautious. If this was a game you had to have, then he would be playing. You have to manage trying to come in first and not get your guys out of kilter. Everything has to do with our lead.
“We want to make sure we get some rest. Chris is getting it now. James (Harden) will get one or two days going forward. Make sure they are in rhythm, yet have the necessary work to stay in shape, not to come down a notch, but to stay right there. It’s not a science, though we rely on their info.”
Anderson takes planned day off
Rockets forward/center Ryan Anderson was held out of Sunday’s game as planned because it was part of a back-to-back with Anderson only recently returning from groin and hip issues.
Anderson played 34 minutes Saturday, the most he had played since Jan. 12 with coach Mike D’Antoni knowing Anderson would have Sunday off.
“It’s been a little while,” Anderson said of his extended playing time. “We’ve been gearing up for it. My body feels good. Getting treatment on that area, still. We’re preparing it so my body feels 100 percent coming into this last stretch. It did feel good to play some pretty good minutes.”
Anderson had played an average of 14½ minutes in his first four games after missing eight games with the injury, almost entirely at center.
He played at center along with a stretch at power forward Saturday.
“Coach and I talked a lot,” Anderson said. “Whatever I need to do, whatever position. I was joking a little bit, if you want me to play point guard I will do it.
“I don’t think anybody wants me to do that, but whatever I can do to help this team.
“This is a rare opportunity to play on a team like this. So, I just want to contribute and do the best I can.”