Rockets forward Chandler Parsons out with illness against Pistons
By Brad Rowland
The Houston Rockets are in need of a bounce-back victory after falling at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, but when they take the floor against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, they will be short-handed.
Per an official team announcement, Chandler Parsons will be sidelined for the game with illness, and the newly-acquired Jordan Hamilton will take his place in the lineup. The 25-year-old Parsons is the consensus third-best player on the Rockets roster, and he’s been fantastic this season, averaging more than 16 points and 5 rebounds per game while playing a versatile role for Houston.
Hamilton was quite effective in his first two games with Houston, scoring 12 points against Sacramento and 16 against the Clippers, but this will be a new test for the 2nd-year forward from Texas. Fortunately, Houston has assembled a roster that is deep with talent on the wing, and if Hamilton struggles, there is shortage of replacements at the disposal of head coach Kevin McHale.
Detroit has a sense of urgency as they sit in the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference standings, but even without Parsons, I think it’s safe to say that the Rockets are a solid favorite while playing in their home building.