Starting small forward Danuel House Jr. will miss at least one more game for the Houston Rockets due to a back injury, according to an update from head coach Stephen Silas following Tuesday’s practice.
“He’s struggling,” Silas said of House, who will not travel to Indiana for Wednesday’s game. “He’s not moving well right now.”
Silas said he did not know the origins of House’s injury and explained that he does not believe it happened immediately after an on-court incident. “I think it was just one of those things where he woke up and his back was tight, or messed up,” Silas said after Tuesday’s practice.
A 6-foot-6 small forward, House is averaging 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32.5 minutes per game this season. The 27-year-old is also among Houston’s most athletic and versatile defenders.
Stephen Silas says Danuel House, Ben McLemore and KJ Martin will not be on the road trip. pic.twitter.com/O2Uc9JFmya
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 5, 2021
David Nwaba started in House’s place in Monday’s home loss to Dallas, but Silas did not commit to maintaining that same lineup in Indiana. Silas cited Nwaba’s perimeter defense as important versus Mavs star Luka Doncic, but the Pacers bring a more balanced playmaking attack.
With House sidelined, Silas said he would not decide Wednesday’s starting lineup until doing more scouting of the Pacers. Tipoff from Bankers Life Fieldhouse is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Central.
