The Houston Rockets are hopeful of having reserve guard Sterling Brown back in the rotation by the time of their upcoming back-to-back on Sunday (in Orlando) and Monday (in Miami).
Brown left last Saturday’s loss at Golden State after playing just four minutes, and he has not played since. Head coach Stephen Silas has referred to Brown’s injury as a “grade one strain” of his left knee.
In comments from Thursday’s team practice at Toyota Center, Silas said he did not anticipate Brown playing in Friday’s home game versus Denver. However, that could be his final absence.
“Possibly the back-to-back,” Silas said of his return. Per Silas, Brown has been more mobile in team activities than other injured players.
Eric Gordon, D.J. Augustin and Danuel House will miss at least the next 3 games per Stephen Silas. Sterling Brown will likely miss tomorrow's game, but could return for the Miami/Orlando back-to-back
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) April 15, 2021
A 6-foot-5 guard, Brown has been one of Houston’s best perimeter defenders and shooters this season. In 24.1 minutes per game, Brown is averaging 8.2 points (42.3% on 3-pointers) and 4.4 rebounds.
The 26-year-old is not yet under contract with the Rockets beyond this season, but he’s young enough that he could be a part of their plans.
Beyond Brown, Silas did not have a substantive update on other injured players such as DJ Augustin (left ankle sprain), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle sprain), and Eric Gordon (right groin strain). None are expected to play in Houston’s upcoming stretch of three games in four nights.
David Nwaba (right wrist strain) and Dante Exum (right calf strain) are believed to be out for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
