Rockets guard Victor Oladipo will sit out Thursday’s game in Memphis, according to teammate Mason Jones. The development isn’t surprising, since it’s the second night of a back-to-back for Houston.
Oladipo, who ruptured his right quadriceps tendon approximately two years ago, missed most of last season while rehabilitating the injury. Now 28 years old, the two-time All-Star is back to full health in 2020-21, but the Rockets are understandably being cautious with his workload.
Starting backcourt partner John Wall, who also missed significant time over the last two seasons with an Achilles injury, is on a similar maintenance plan this season. However, the Rockets are staggering their absences in back-to-back scenarios to avoid being too short-handed.
Two weeks ago, Wall sat out the first game of a back-to-back in Detroit and Dallas, while Oladipo sat out the second. The Rockets are using the same template this week, with Wall resting on Wednesday in Oklahoma City and Oladipo sitting out on Thursday in Memphis.
Those decisions could be dictated by matchups, as well. For instance, Memphis is led by an athletic young point guard in Ja Morant. Thus, it would make sense if Houston wants Wall, a floor general with lightning-quick burst, to be available for that matchup against Morant.
With Wall out Wednesday and Oladipo out Thursday, reserve guards such as Jones and Ben McLemore could find additional playing time.
The Rockets (10-9) entered Wednesday’s game, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. Central, on a season-long winning streak of six games.
