West Roundup: Flagg Cleared for Mavericks, Rockets Thrive with Smaller Five, Grizzlies Consider Bigger Role for Jackson
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Dallas — Rookie forward Cooper Flagg is not listed on the Mavericks’ injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers after a brief shoulder scare in Monday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Flagg returned to that game but finished with just two points on 1-of-9 shooting.
Head coach Jason Kidd is expected to be without starting center Dereck Lively II for a second straight outing. Lively remains doubtful because of a right knee sprain.
Houston Adjusts Lineup, Earns First Win
Houston — The Rockets moved to a smaller configuration Monday, inserting guard/forward Josh Okogie for center Steven Adams and snapping an 0-2 start with a victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
“He knows his role,” head coach Ime Udoka said of Okogie. “He brings physicality and aggressiveness on the defensive side of the ball.”
During the 13 minutes the group of Amen Thompson, Okogie, Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. shared the floor, Houston posted a +29.2 net rating. Udoka indicated he will continue to test combinations; the Sengun-Adams pairing still owns a +18.2 mark across the season’s first three games.
Memphis Monitoring GG Jackson II
Memphis — Forward GG Jackson II, 19, is working to regain a larger role under new Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo after limited minutes early in the season.
“It’s easy to forget he’s still the youngest player on our roster,” Iisalo said. “He’s looking to become a complete basketball player and is taking steps in the right direction.”
With Memphis dealing with multiple injuries, Jackson’s court time could increase if he continues to show defensive progress.
Source: Hoops Wire
