Houston is preparing for matchup with Suns

After Houston Rockets ended their season long losing row with a win over Toronto Raptors Sunday, they finally had a short break between games. Rockets have had two sets of back-to-backs in the last week and had played seven out of eight on the road before Sunday’s home game.

After a day off, Rockets was back in the gym, where they had a practice on Tuesday afternoon. Houston has two matches left before the All-Star break-a break, they probably need more than any other team in the NBA.

Rockets have been without peace vanvelet and Jabari Smith for several weeks. They also went into the game also knowing Tari Eason and Steven Adams did not play the other night on a back-to-back, and three minutes in, the Alperen Sengun left the game early with back spasms.

During Tuesday’s practice, rockets asked on SI head coach IMA Udoka whether the van had any setback during rehabilitation or if he was in plan:

“He’s on the field as far as that, and the plan is to have him back after the All-Star break.”

Udoka also stated that as soon as Smith was cleared by the medical staff, he would get into some work on the field to get back to a point where he would be ready to return to the lineup. Udoka also talked about Sengun and said he was doing better and would test his back tomorrow.

During practice, Sengun was on the field, and towards the end it was able to get up some shots before heading to the dressing room.

Dillon Brooks also talked to the media about the upcoming games and Rockets that returned to playing hard defense. Rockets at SI asked Brooks how much it helped him have another player like Amen Thompson who can protect the best player of the opposing team.

“It’s great, it limits me to doing all work,” Brooks said.

Steven Adams also spoke with the media and was asked how he felt the double large lineup worked against Mavericks and if he thinks we will see more of it in the future. Adams had an interesting answer to the question:

“If it was up to me, I would play the Point Guard.”

Adams said he felt it worked well overall, but it is ultimately up to Udoka if they use this lineup again. Rockets will be back in action Wednesday to meet Phoenix Suns in the first game of their home back-to-back before the All-Star break.

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