Nenê returns to rotation for Rockets-Trail Blazers

After sitting out on Thursday against the Warriors, Rockets reserve center Nenê was back in the rotation against Portland. That was by design, with the Warriors' small second unit allowing him a day off before the Rockets would face a Trail Blazers team with two seven-footers, albeit generally perimeter shooting, off the bench behind the physical Jusuf Nurki\u0107.

"He was a little sore and we knew we needed him for Nurki\u0107," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said of holding Nenê out. "Against Golden State we could get away with not having him. We just picked a day for rest."