After missing 14 games in November and December, Tari Eason‘s return has allowed the Rockets to try a new-look starting five.
Eason replaced Josh Okogie in Houston’s new, jumbo-sized lineup in the last two games and has made an impact on both ends of the floor in the back-to-back wins over the Lakers and Cavaliers, amassing six steals and three blocks while shooting 3-for-8 from three.
“It was amazing to be out there. [Head coach Ime Udoka] finally trusted me to go out there. I just had to do what I do best,” Eason said, per The Athletic’s Will Guillory (via Twitter). “We had to get back to being dogs defensively, and I knew I could come out there and set the tone.”
When asked if he valued being in the starting lineup after spending the last few years as a reserve, Eason responded: “Yes, I do.”
We have more from around the Southwest Division:
- De’Aaron Fox missed the Spurs‘ game Saturday against the Jazz with left adductor tightness, but the team is optimistic that he won’t miss much time, according to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. “Not too many big concerns,” said head coach Mitch Johnson. “Obviously he’s out, so it’s real. But hopefully it will be short-term.” Johnson said that he started Julian Champagnie over Dylan Harper in order to keep Harper in a more consistent role. “It goes a long way for players to expect if they’re going to play, when they’re going to play, when do they come out,” Johnson said. “They are creatures of habit from when they wake up to when they go to bed. I think being able to help provide consistency where you can (is important).” The Spurs have gone 17-5 in games that Fox has played this season.
- Saddiq Bey was something of an afterthought coming into this season for the Pelicans, having not played a game since March, 2024, when he tore his ACL. But following a trade from the Wizards to the Pelicans this summer, Bey knew he had been given a second shot at establishing himself, writes Rod Walker of NOLA.com. “Just to be wanted at that time after not playing in a year and a half meant a lot to me,” Bey said. “New Orleans was showing that they still believed in me and that meant the world to me.” Bey has responded to the opportunity by averaging 14.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while starting 24 of the 32 games he played this season. “He’s been incredible all year,” said coach James Borrego. “He’s built for these moments. He doesn’t shy away from it.” Bey said that the experience has given him a new perspective on his career. “I feel like I owe it to the front office, the city and this organization for believing in me,” Bey said. “Every single game, I’m literally thanking God for letting me finish that game. Win or lose. I’ll never take another game for granted.”
- Mavericks‘ coach Jason Kidd went back to an early-season strategy in an attempt to grind out a win over the Kings without Anthony Davis: using Cooper Flagg as the de facto point guard, Christian Clark writes for The Athletic. “Once we had to sub, it went back up to 18,” Kidd said. “Just understanding the change — we talked about it at halftime — it gave us an opportunity to get us back in the game.” The effort ended up coming in a 113-107 loss, but Flagg was able to turn around a slow start and end with 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists, though he had five turnovers as well.