Five days ago, Christian Wood made his way to the post-game podium via Zoom. He had just recorded 22 points and 15 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets end a two-game skid against the Orlando Magic. During his post-game availability, Wood said he had the Rockets’ next opponent circled on his calendar. Wood appeared confident and eager to match up against Anthony Davis — his former teammate in New Orleans — with the Los Angeles Lakers coming to town.
It was an opportunity for Wood to measure himself against the league’s best big man.