Now on a three-game losing streak, the Houston Rockets will get much-needed backcourt reinforcement for Sunday’s game in the form of 2020 All-Star and former MVP Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook sat out Saturday’s loss in Charlotte for planned maintenance, as part of a season-long plan for the 31-year-old on back-to-backs.
Westbrook has led Houston with a 32.9 points per game scoring average since Jan. 9, all on efficient 53.0% shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, reserve guard Eric Gordon remains doubtful after recently reaggravating his sore right knee, which he bumped on Feb. 24 against New York. He will be re-evaluated after Sunday’s game.
Gordon’s absence will mean more minutes for reserve guards Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore, and perhaps DeMarre Carroll — who had 9 points (2-of-3 on 3-pointers) in 18 minutes on Saturday.
Tipoff between the Rockets (39-23) and Magic (28-35) is set for 6 p.m. Central on Sunday night from Toyota Center in Houston.
