TITLE: Southwest Roundup: Houston’s Early Struggles, Fox Nearing Spurs Debut, Injury Updates Across Division
SLUG: southwest-roundup-houston-early-struggles-fox-injury-updates
CONTENT:
The Houston Rockets have dropped their first two games of the season, falling to Oklahoma City and Detroit, and head coach Ime Udoka is searching for fixes on both ends of the court.
Kevin Durant poured in 37 points against the Pistons on Friday, yet the rest of the offense never found a rhythm. Without injured point guard Fred VanVleet, lost for the year to a torn ACL, Houston is relying on Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to initiate sets. Thompson is still learning the position, while Sheppard is adjusting to an expanded role after limited minutes last season. The result has been sluggish possessions and hurried shots late in the clock.
Udoka’s decision to start two traditional centers has produced solid defense, but the attack has flowed better when just one big man is on the floor. “It’s always good having a versatile team, but once you throw different lineups out there, it’s the coach’s toughest job,” Durant said. “We’ll be patient, keep growing and keep figuring things out.”
Spurs
San Antonio guard De’Aaron Fox participated in a full 5-on-5 scrimmage after Friday’s shootaround, and the team is optimistic he could debut before October ends, according to head coach Mitch Johnson. Fox has been recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during training camp. Forwards Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk also joined the scrimmage and are expected back soon. “They look great,” Johnson said. “I hope it will be sooner rather than later.”
Grizzlies
A lack of size contributed to Memphis’ 32-point defeat in Miami on Friday. With centers Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke still sidelined following surgery, the Grizzlies had no answer for Heat big men Kelel Ware and Bam Adebayo.
Mavericks
Dallas originally hoped center Daniel Gafford would return from a right ankle sprain on Friday, but he has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s matchup. Guard Brandon Williams will miss the contest for personal reasons, the team announced.
Teams across the Southwest Division will continue to monitor health and lineup adjustments as the young season unfolds.
Source: Hoops Rumors
