Rockets' Ryan Anderson: Performs well in limited duty Friday

Anderson (ankle) started at power forward and supplied nine points (3-6 FG, 3-5 3Pt), three rebounds and one block across 13 minutes in a 114-109 loss to the Pistons on Friday.

Analysis:

Anderson looked good in his return from a six-game absence due to the right ankle sprain, but the Rockets managed his usage carefully, as he didn't see the floor at all in the second half. Since the Rockets are already locked into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference, it's not expected that Anderson will be able to play extended minutes over the team's final three contests, but he should gradually raise his playing time in those games as he preps for a potential 25-to-30-minute-per-game role during the postseason. Troy Williams will be most at risk of losing out on playing time once Anderson's restrictions are formally lifted.