Injuries throw rotation, starting five off kilter
Seeking to rebound from their first loss of the season, the Rockets will begin their three gameroad trip with a third of their rotation, including a pair of starters, out.
Forward Trevor Ariza was ruled out with a sprained left foot after he was stepped on during Monday’s loss to the Grizzlies. Center Nene is doubtful with a left Achilles injury, though coach Mike D’Antoni spoke of playing without him as if there is no chance he could be back to play in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Guard Chris Paul is out with a bruised left knee.
“Last year was pretty smooth sailing, a little smoother than a (typical) season,” D’Antoni said. “This year, we have some rough spots. We have some injuries to deal with. We got some play to work out. But we’ll battle through this and get back on track.”
The Rockets initially considered Ariza dayto-day, but believed they would know more about a timetable after his examinations Tuesday.
“I don’t think there’s anything structurally wrong,” D’Antoni said. “Now, it’s just a matter of how much tissue damage there is.”
With Ariza out, Luc Mbah a Moute will start at small forward. Tarik Black will replace Nene as the backup center in a stretch in which the Rockets face several of the sort of physical centers — Joel Embiid, Dwight Howard and Marc Gasol — the Rockets usually rely on Nene to defend.
“It’s a tough time any time with Nene because Nene has been playing really well,” D’Antoni said. “I hate it for him. That’s why Tarik is here. I know Tarik will step up and do it. This is going to happen periodically through the year and Clint will have to play a bigger role. We still have the resources to get it done. We just have to get it done.”
Guard Canaan signs 1-year deal
The Rockets signed guard Isaiah Canaan toa one-year, non-guaranteed contract, two individuals with knowledge of the deal said.
Canaan, 26, was the Rockets’ second-round pick in 2013 before he was traded to Philadelphia for K.J. McDaniels. He averaged 12.6 points per game for the 76ers that season and 11.4 points over two seasons with the 76ers. He spent one year with the Bulls and went to training camp with Oklahoma City this season before he was released.
The Rockets had an open roster spot with guard Demetrius Jackson, who has played off the bench with Chris Paul out, signed to a twoway contract that does not count against their limit of 15 players.
Black renews ties with Embiid
Rockets center Tarik Black will move into the rotation with Nene likely out in Philadelphia, giving Black playing time that could pit him against Joel Embiid, his college teammate at Kansas.
“We came in together at Kansas,” Black said. “We spent some time working together. I’m proud of him. I’m proud of the player he’s become. I wish he could stay healthy obviously to perform at the highest level. He’s still a really talented player. We’re going to come in and challenge him.”
Black said he knew Embiid could be a star before Embiid, the fourth pick of the 2014 draft, knew. Black had transferred from Memphis in time for the 2013-14 season at Kansas, Embiid’s freshman year.
“I told him,” Black said. “When he was a freshman that summer, he didn’t think he was going to oneand-done. He didn’t know how good he was going to be. We had a conversation. I told him, ‘Jo, we’ll talk about this again in the middle of the season when you’re a top-10 pick. You are going to be a one-anddone.’ He was like, ‘No, I’m probably not.’
“In the middle of the season, I said, ‘Now, let’s have that conversation.’ He started smiling and laughing.”
Embiid is averaging 19.2 points and 12 rebounds in 27.7 minutes this season. Black made the Rockets’ roster as an undrafted free agent with a nonguaranteed contract. He was released so the team could sign Josh Smith and was picked up by the Lakers. He returned to the Rockets as a free agent to fill in on the nights Nene has to miss, including Wednesday.