Rockets' Ariza out vs. Wizards with bruised back
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets small forward Trevor Ariza gave it a go before the game, but will ultimately sit out Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.
Ariza left Tuesday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter after landing hard on his back.
With the Rockets on a back-to-back, there's little reason to risk playing Ariza if he's banged up. The 12th-year veteran is a key defender for Houston, leading the team in steals, while averaging 11.6 points.
As a result, the Rockets recalled K.J. McDaniels from Rio Grande Valley of the D-League.
Wednesday's absence will snap Ariza's 173 streak of consecutive games played.