Rockets moving Corey Brewer into starting lineup

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Mike D'Antoni will make his first lineup change as Rockets coach Monday when the Rockets face the Washington Wizards, moving Corey Brewer into the starting lineup in place of Eric Gordon.

D'Antoni will make the switch to have Brewer match up with Wizards All Star point guard John Wall, but also to have Gordon fresher to bolster the Rockets' struggling second unit.

"He'll be guarding John Wall, or that's the thought behind it," D'Antoni said. "I want Eric fresh on the second team. We have to bolster that segment at the start of the second quarter and start of the fourth. We're just looking, trying to solve some things."

D'Antoni has been taking Gordon out of games about six minutes into each half to have him return with the reserves to start the second and fourth quarters. He has played Gordon as a point guard, but has also tried Tyler Ennis and briefly Bobby Brown.

The change further points to the absence of guard Pat Beverley, who was expected to start against opposing point guards and allow Gordon to anchor the second unit.

Gordon has started each of the Rockets first six games, averaging 16.2 points on 41.9 percent shooting.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Corey Brewer #33 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a Los Angeles Lakers basket at Staples Center on October 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. less LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Corey Brewer #33 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a Los Angeles Lakers basket at Staples Center on October 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ... more Photo: Harry How, Getty Images Photo: Harry How, Getty Images Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close Rockets moving Corey Brewer into starting lineup 1 / 32 Back to Gallery

Brewer has averaged 4.2 points in 15.2 minutes per game off the bench, making 43.5 percent of his shots. He said he often had the assignment of defending point guards, including Wall, when he played for the Nuggets and Timberwolves.

"For me, it's about just going out there and play hard like I always do and bring some defense with the first unit, try to get a win," Brewer said. "If we win, it's all good. I got to put pressure on (Wall). I got to make him work. He's going to be aggressive all the time. If I can make him spend some energy, that gives us a better chance to win.

"A couple years ago, that's what I used to do, guard the point guard. It's not that much of an adjustment. I just have to be ready to go. He's going to be really fast. I have to keep him in front."

D'Antoni said the Rockets hope to get Beverley back in about two weeks.

"We have to get everything back together," D'Antoni said. "I know he'll be a little bit rusty. It can take him a bit to get in the swing of things. But you know Pat; he's going to be out there swinging."