The Houston Rockets will not have their new-look roster at full strength on Saturday night. While former All NBA guard John Wall is probable, newly acquired Victor Oladipo will be sidelined.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the Rockets have listed Wall as probable for Saturday evening’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, while Oladipo will be out due to injury management.
Rockets PG John Wall is probable vs. Mavs tonight after missing several games due to a sore knee, but we won’t see the new Houston backcourt together. Victor Oladipo is out due to injury management on the back-to-back.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 23, 2021
With the Rockets' playing the second half of a back-to-back set, they will opt to exercise caution with Oladipo and his knee. The former Pacers star is coming off of a rather cold night, producing just 13 points to go with three assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one block across 35 minutes in a 103-102 win over Detroit. He will look to get back on track Tuesday against the Wizards.
Oladipo has excelled in his first few games. He has reverted to his All-Star form, easily getting downhill and creating shots for his new teammates. In his first three contests in a Rockets uniform, Oladipo has averaged 22 points and 6 assist on 37% shooting from the field.
On the other hand, Wall has not played since Houston'ss Jan. 12 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers which ended up being James Harden’s final game as a Rocket that featured the former MVP’s farewell address. Since Wall is in the early stages of his return to the court post Achilles injury, the organization has made a point to err on the side of caution.
The Rockets are currently 14th in the Western Conference with a 5-9 record. Once Wall and Oladipo are able to suit up together, the Rockets hope to build chemistry and make a run at a playoff spot.
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