Rockets Keep Offense Rolling Without VanVleet; Injury Updates Hit Pelicans, Mavericks, Grizzlies
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The Houston Rockets have lost Fred VanVleet for the year after the veteran guard tore his ACL before training camp, yet the club owns the NBA’s top offensive rating at 123.4 through the season’s first four weeks.
Durant–Sengun partnership fuels Houston
Houston’s surge is being driven by offseason acquisition Kevin Durant and the continued growth of center Alperen Sengun. Durant told The Athletic he has “never played with a big man who can dominate in the post” the way Sengun does, while the 22-year-old center said he has “never played with so much space” thanks to the defensive attention Durant draws.
With Amen Thompson and rookie Reed Sheppard sharing back-court duties, head coach Ime Udoka is increasingly running the offense through Sengun. The third-year big man is averaging 7.4 assists, and the rest of the roster is shooting 48.8 percent from the field.
“We invite the double-teams and let Alpi play with the numbers behind it,” Udoka explained. “Alpi gets doubled in the post; KD gets doubled on the perimeter. It opens up shots for everyone else.”
Pelicans: Bey, Williamson near returns
Saddiq Bey sat out his first game of the season Monday with a sprained left ankle suffered during a back-to-back set. Fellow forward Zion Williamson was also ruled out, missing his eighth straight contest, but both were originally listed as questionable—an indication New Orleans believes neither absence will be lengthy.
Mavericks search for continuity
Dallas head coach Jason Kidd voiced frustration Monday after playing every game this year without multiple rotation pieces. “Our health is a big problem,” Kidd said. “There’s no continuity. We’re trying to piece this thing together … until we can get healthy.”
Grizzlies committed to Morant core
Despite outside speculation the Grizzlies might blow up their struggling roster, Memphis continues to center its plans on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., according to The Stein Line. Even if Memphis shifted course, league sources doubt the Timberwolves could construct a realistic trade package for Morant due to limited draft capital and salary-matching complications.
Edey, Coward on minutes limits
Grizzlies rookies Zach Edey (ankle surgery) and Cedric Coward (foot soreness) were both capped at roughly 25 minutes Saturday. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said the club is “making sure we make good decisions” while balancing immediate needs with the duo’s long-term health.
Source: Hoops Rumors
