Eason, Finney-Smith Out; Travel Snag Hits Rockets, Bey Upgraded, Morant Could Play Overseas
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The Houston Rockets will face the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday without forwards Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith. Eason is dealing with a right ankle sprain suffered Friday against Portland, while Finney-Smith is sitting for left-ankle injury management after offseason surgery.
Road fatigue and hotel shuffle
Before Sunday’s loss to Sacramento, Houston was unable to secure its usual hotel in the state capital because the Lakers and Knicks had already filled all available rooms, according to The Athletic. The Rockets instead stayed in San Francisco and made an 85-mile bus ride to Golden 1 Center on game day. The club has opened the season with 23 road games in its first 36 outings, tying an NBA record, including 11 away dates since Dec. 15.
Pelicans’ Bey nearing return
Saddiq Bey of the New Orleans Pelicans has been listed as probable for Wednesday’s matchup with Denver. The forward has missed six games because of a right hip flexor strain. In his second season of a three-year contract, Bey is averaging 15.1 points and 5.9 rebounds after losing all of last year to a torn ACL.
Morant update
Ja Morant, who has been the subject of recent trade chatter, may rejoin the Memphis Grizzlies this week. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters that the guard’s calf bruise is improving and could allow him to play when the team meets the Orlando Magic in Berlin on Thursday or in London on Sunday. Morant has missed five games.
Source: HoopsRumors
