Despite leaving Friday’s preseason game early, guards Russell Westbrook and Austin Rivers are not currently listed on the Rockets’ injury report and are expected to play when Houston’s 2019-20 regular season begins Thursday versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now 30 years old, Westbrook re-aggravated a dislocated finger in the second half of Friday’s victory in Miami. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Rivers left in the first half with shoulder and neck soreness.
Westbrook averaged 16.3 points and 4.5 assists in 25.1 minutes per game in the preseason. Meanwhile, Rivers — projected as Westbrook’s primary backup at point guard and well regarded for his isolation defense — scored 4.5 points in 17 minutes per game. Overall, Houston finished its preseason slate at 4-2 in six games.
At Sunday’s practice, coach Mike D’Antoni said both 6-foot-3 guards were expected to be ready for Thursday’s opener versus Milwaukee. However, he cautioned that they might not scrimmage for now.
After Wednesday’s exhibition, Westbrook explained that he views finger injuries as an occupational hazard for NBA point guards.
The Rockets are taking Monday off before returning to practice on Tuesday at Toyota Center. Assuming both Westbrook and Rivers are able to go, having a full backcourt rotation might give the Rockets a leg up in Thursday’s home opener versus the Bucks, since Milwaukee could be without star guard Eric Bledsoe due to a rib injury.
