Rockets Thrive With Tari Eason in Starting Five; Updates on Williamson, Koloko and Thompson
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The Houston Rockets remain undefeated in the five games fourth-year forward Tari Eason has started this season, including the last four contests. Head coach Ime Udoka said Eason’s energy and versatility allow the staff to use him as either a ball-handler or screener while benefiting from his three-point shooting and offensive rebounding.
Houston continues to search for the best fifth starter next to Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. Lineups featuring Josh Okogie or rookie Reed Sheppard are posting net ratings of +9.7 and +7.9, respectively, while a two-big alignment with Steven Adams sits at –4.3. The group with Eason owns a staggering +47.4 net rating in 51 minutes, prompting the team to stick with that configuration for now despite the small sample size.
Williamson Scores but Pelicans Keep Falling
Zion Williamson returned to the New Orleans Pelicans’ starting lineup after seven bench appearances following an adductor strain and has logged back-to-back 30-point efforts. The individual surge hasn’t stopped the skid: Wednesday’s 134-116 defeat to a short-handed Chicago Bulls squad was New Orleans’ fifth straight loss, dropping the club to 8-27, the league’s second-worst record. Head coach James Borrego cited a lack of defensive physicality.
Koloko’s 10-Day Contract Ends in Memphis
Center Christian Koloko’s hardship 10-day deal with the Memphis Grizzlies expired Thursday. The second-year big averaged 18.6 minutes across five games, starting once. Memphis can re-sign him to another hardship contract only if the team still meets league injury criteria. If not, the Grizzlies must wait until the standard 10-day window opens Monday and create a roster spot on the 15-man squad to bring him back.
Klay Adjusts to Sixth-Man Role in Dallas
Mavericks wing Klay Thompson, who had come off the bench only 41 times over his first 12 NBA seasons, has accepted a reserve assignment at age 35. Head coach Jason Kidd praised Thompson for anchoring the second unit and mentoring younger teammates. Thompson is averaging 11.9 points and hitting 37.1% from three in 24 games as a reserve, compared with 8.8 points and 27.5% in eight starts.
Source: Hoops Rumors
