Houston Rockets Guard Chris Paul Still Dealing With Bruised Left Knee, Status for Saturday's Game Uncertain
Chris Paul may not be available when the Houston Rockets take on the Dallas Mavericks in their home opener on Saturday.
The nine-time All-Star hasn't been ruled out of the game yet, but Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni has admitted that it would be difficult for him to play against their cross-state rivals since he's still dealing with a bruised left knee.
"I think he's still in play but I think it's hard," D'Antoni said on Wednesday, via NBA.com. "It's not a concern, it's just nagging. We'll sit him until the training staff thinks he's ready to go and try to get over it totally," he added.
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Paul sat out the final minutes of their opening night victory over the Golden State Warriors because of the knee injury, and he didn't suit up when they played the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. The point guard's knee has been bothering him since the preseason, and D'Antoni has noted that he's currently playing on one leg.
The Rockets acquired Paul in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason to form a lethal combination with James Harden in the backcourt. However, a lot of observers were concerned about his fit with Harden since they both need the ball in their hands to be effective.
It will take some time to integrate Paul into their system, but D'Antoni is confident the two will be able to make it work.
"I don't think it's a challenge, you've got two great players that play very well on the ball and off the ball," D'Antoni said, according to NBA.com.
"I think they'll keep figuring things out a little bit better and make it easier on each other. But we're looking forward to just getting him back healthy," he continued.
Eric Gordon should get the start if Paul is unavailable on Saturday.
