Rockets' Trevor Ariza: Will not play Friday

Ariza will sit out Friday's preseason finale against the Spurs for rest purposes, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

Along with Ariza, Eric Gordon, James Harden and Clint Capela will all sit Friday in order to stay fresh for the start of the regular season. Ariza has performed poorly overall during the preseason, but his track record of strong defense and reliable three-point shooting should afford him a 30-plus minute role in coach Mike D'Antoni's attack.