The Rockets, as expected trimmed the rotation to nine players, using Kenneth Faried rather than Nené as the backup center. That could change, Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said, but he wanted to have Faried's athleticism and scoring for the matchup against the Jazz.
"We like to keep the lob threat on the floor at all times," D'Antoni said. "His ability to finish. Those guys are long. He has that ability, quick dunking. He gives us some offensive rebounds that help. A lot of things that Kenneth brings to the table."
Faried played in four consecutive games after returning from a sore knee before sitting out the regular-season finale against the Thunder.