Gerald Green's role diminished with Rockets returning to full strength

DALLAS - The Rockets' return to a full complement of rotation players left Gerald Green out of the mix on Monday when he returned from his two-game suspension, though coach Mike D'Antoni said he would be happy to play Green if the need arises. Until then, he said he would try to explain Green's revised role while seeking to give his four players off the bench enough time to be effective.

"Just keep talking to him, tell him to stay ready," D'Antoni said. "That's his job. He's in a great place. But I can't upset five guys to appease one. I'd rather have one guy kind of out of it and four happy. I've got to keep a core that knows about their minutes. Now, whenever I can, I'll play him. I won't…