The Rockets enter Monday’s game at Philadelphia with seven straight losses, but they do have at least some roster reinforcements on the way. Garrison Mathews and DJ Augustin, who missed each of Houston’s last four games due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, have been cleared and are no longer on the team’s injury report.
However, reserve sharpshooter Armoni Brooks — who started in Saturday’s second half versus Denver after Kevin Porter Jr.’s halftime outburst — is now unavailable due to his own protocols stint. While there is no immediate timetable for Brooks’ return, each of Houston’s four players to enter the protocol since Christmas has rejoined the team in less than a week, presumably due to the NBA’s recently relaxed rules.
Mathews and Augustin are two of Houston’s best perimeter shooters, with 3-point percentages of 37.0% and 41.3%, respectively. Only Eric Gordon, who is questionable for Monday’s game with right hamstring tightness, has a higher clip (44.7%) among rotation players.
A 6-foot-5 wing, Mathews also offers value to the Rockets in terms of defensive length and a willingness to draw charges.
Finally 🙏🏼
— Garrison Mathews (@gmathews_24) January 2, 2022
If Gordon is unavailable, Mathews appears likely to start for Houston at the small forward spot. If Gordon plays, Mathews would presumably come off the bench. As a point guard, Augustin might also find an increased short-term role if Porter is disciplined for his recent antics.
Tipoff between the Rockets and 76ers is set for 6:00 p.m. CST.
Good news: Garrison Mathews and DJ Augustin are not on the #Rockets injury report, so they appear to have officially cleared health and safety protocols
Bad news: Armoni Brooks is now in health and safety protocols
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) January 2, 2022
