Less than a day after Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said that veteran point guard John Wall wouldn’t return until Tuesday, the timetable appears to have been expedited.
Wall, who has missed Houston’s last five games with left knee soreness, is now listed as “probable” on the official injury report for Saturday night’s game in Dallas. Final confirmation on Wall’s availability should come when Silas conducts his pregame media session later this evening.
The Rockets, however, will still be without three usual starters. Christian Wood (right ankle sprain) and Danuel House Jr. (self-isolation) did not travel with the team on its current road trip, while Victor Oladipo is sitting out the second night of a back-to-back as part of an “injury management” program following his recovery from a right quadriceps tear. With Oladipo out, Wall will likely start in the backcourt next to Eric Gordon.
Tonight's #Rockets injury report with some new updates…
Victor Oladipo (Out – Right Quad Injury Maintenance/Recovery/Management)
John Wall (Probable – Left Knee Soreness)Coach Silas told us yesterday that VO was likely to sit out this game.
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) January 23, 2021
A five-time All-Star in previous seasons, the 30-year-old Wall is averaging 18.6 points and 5.1 assists per game with the Rockets on a career-high 45.4% shooting clip. Assuming he plays, this will be Wall’s first game to participate in since Houston traded away James Harden.
Tipoff between the Rockets (5-9) and Mavericks (8-7) is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Central from American Airlines Center.
