:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57074319/usa_today_9780393.0.jpg)
The Houston Rockets have looked good so far this preseason, kicking off the exhibition schedule with back-to-back victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Shanghai Sharks. Now they look to keep it rolling, as they head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks. Only, they’ll have to do it without one of their top pieces.
Guard Chris Paul will sit tonight with what’s being dubbed a right shoulder contusion.
Rockets guard Chris Paul is out tonight vs. New York with a bruised right shoulder.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 9, 2017
The move is likely just precautionary. With a shortened preseason schedule and the regular season games starting next week, the Rockets want their team in top shape for the opening tip-off, so Paul’s likely just getting the night off the nurse a minor ailment.
Tarik Black will also miss tonight’s contest, as he takes care of a sore knee. Black is also scheduled to miss the next game against Memphis as well.
The rest of the Rockets should be active, including Ryan Anderson, who had been dealing with a sore hip. Keep an eye on how the offense, which has been great so far in the preseason, looks without Paul. And especially keep an eye on the defensive end. Paul has brought additional defensive skill to the lineup, and it’ll be important to see how the Rockets defend without him.
The tip-off is at 6:30pm CST, and the game airs nationally on NBATV.
Go Rockets!