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Kevin Martin returned to the starting lineup after missing two games with a heel injury.
Houston Rockets leading scorer Kevin Martin sat out his second straight game with what the team is now calling inflammation of the right heel. The Rockets won their second straight without Martin on Saturday defeating the New York Knicks 97-84 at the Toyota Center.
Martin was ruled out shortly before Saturday's tip off against the Knicks even though he lobbied to play. Rockets coach Kevin McHale talked about the decision to sit Martin before the game:
"He's a little disappointed he's not going to play tonight," McHale said, "but this is a crazy schedule and we'd much rather him be a little more cautious tonight because we have eight games in the next 10 or 12 games coming up in 11 or 12 days coming up so that's what we are kind of shooting for."
Martin is still listed as day-to-day and his status for Monday's game against Minnesota is still in question.
For more on Kevin Martin's injury and the Houston Rockets check out The Dream Shake. For more NBA news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NBA basketball page.
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Martin sat out Friday's win over the Washington Wizards with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He is currently listed as day-to-day by the team and his status for Saturday's game against New York in unknown.
Coming into Friday night, Martin had started all 18 of the Rockets games this season and is averaging 20.1 points per game. He has scored at least 20 points in four straight games including 29 points in Wednesday's loss against Milwaukee.
Courtney Lee got the start in place of Martin on Friday night but it was Chase Budinger that made the most of the opportunity scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds off the bench for the Rockets. Buddinger had saw his playing time dip in recent games but stepped up in Martin's absence.
"You just have to be professional," Budinger said, "and just be ready and wait for the opportunity like I did. I like to play, I like to be out there on the court with my teammates. It really just comes down to what the coach wants."
For more on Kevin Martin's injury and the Houston Rockets check out The Dream Shake. For more NBA news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NBA basketball page.
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Kevin Martin Injury: Rockets Guard Returns To Lineup Against Timberwolves
After sitting out two straight games with a heel injury, Kevin Martin will make his return to the Rockets' lineup Monday night when the team takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Martin enters tonight's game averaging 20.1 points per game for the Rockets who won both games without him. After a slow start, Houston has been red hot of late winning nine of their last 10 games and are currently 12-8 and a half game behind the Dallas Mavericks for the Southwest Division lead.
Rockets coach Kevin McHale indicated that he might limit Martin's minutes somewhat tonight which could mean a slight bump for Chase Buddinger who helped fill in during Martin's absence.
For more on Kevin Martin's injury and the Houston Rockets check out The Dream Shake. For more NBA news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NBA basketball page.
Jan 30 7:11p by Kris Willis