Rockets' injury plague compounded by loss of Nene

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DETROIT - The Rockets' injury issues have continued to escalate, with center Nene the fourth player and third rotation member that will miss extended time.

Nene did not go on the Rockets' road trip to Detroit and Chicago and is scheduled to have his bruised right knee re-examined late next week, which would keep him out of Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Unless he is immediately cleared to begin playing, he could have to sit out the trip to Phoenix and Los Angeles before the Rockets return home for a three-game homestand.

Nene has played in 27 games this season, averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.

Guard James Harden is not scheduled to have his strained hamstring re-examined for another week before the team could get a sense of a potential timetable for him to return. The best case to return from a Grade 2 hamstring strain is considered two to three weeks, with a more severe tear typically keeping players out for four to six weeks.

Forward Luc Mbah a Moute is expected to miss at least another week with a dislocated shoulder. He has been out since Dec. 13.

Forward Troy Williams is out with a sprained knee, though he has begun on-court workouts. Center Chinanu Onuaku, who has been with the Vipers throughout the season, is with the team, but could have to undergo a sinus procedure that would keep him out.

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