Houston Rockets Roster, Injury News 2017: Guard Chris Paul Expected to Return in Two Weeks
Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul hasn't played since their season-opening win against the Golden State Warriors due to a bone bruise in his left knee. However, he's been making solid progress in his recovery and head coach Mike D'Antoni has recently said he may return in a couple of weeks.
"I hope tomorrow, but it's not going to be," D'Antoni said on Friday, via the Houston Chronicle. "Ballpark, two weeks, something like that. That makes it five all together so that's about right. We're going to be cautious with him so it could stretch a couple more days, it could be a little bit earlier. As soon as he gets on the court and starts practicing, we'll know a little bit more," he continued.
Well, the Rockets have won seven games without Paul and they are currently at the top of the Western Conference with an 8–3 record, so there's really no need to rush him back.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The team has been doing well in his absence, but the perennial All-Star is the Rockets' prized acquisition in the offseason and they are going to need him around if they want to dethrone the Golden State Warriors.
In any case, fans don't have to worry about Paul's conditioning because he has been swimming and boxing every other day as part of his rehab program. However, he hasn't played much with his current teammates so they will have to make adjustments once he makes his return.
"It's going to set us back — no doubt about it. There's going to be a learning curve," D'Antoni told USA Today in a phone interview.
All-Star guard James Harden will have to play off the ball more than he has in the past few games and sharpshooting guard Eric Gordon will have to move back to the bench.
