Kendrick Perkins Out Vs. Rockets

Via Darnell Mayberry:

"Kendrick Perkins will not play tonight against the Houston Rockets. The team says he sprained his right knee in yesterday's practice."

LET THE RUMORS BEGIN! Or not. Generally, teams don't make up phantom injuries for their players if they're about to be dealt. They're upfront about it, because the deal is about to happen anyway. If Perkins is being held out for a potential trade, then the deal is imminent. Otherwise, it's probably just another injury to add to the long list of injuries that this man has endured.

Anyway, this shouldn't be too much of a hindrance tonight versus the Rockets. As I noted in my preview, the Rockets are a team that likes to run up and down the floor. Perkins isn't suited to that style of play, even though his great help defense will be missed. Replacing him in the starting lineup will likely be Nick Collison. On the bench, look for Thabeet and Liggins to get more time, and for Scott Brooks to run a few more small lineups.