Rockets hopeful James Ennis will return against Pelicans or Grizzlies

PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game Houston Rockets forward James Ennis III (8) celebrates his three-pointer during the fourth quarter of the NBA game against the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, in Houston. The Houston Rockets defeated the Detroit Pistons 126-124. Browse through the photos to see how the Rockets have fared in each game this season. less PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game Houston Rockets forward James Ennis III (8) celebrates his three-pointer during the fourth quarter of the NBA game against the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center on Wednesday, Nov. ... more Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Staff Photographer Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 125 Caption Close Rockets hopeful James Ennis will return against Pelicans or Grizzlies 1 / 125 Back to Gallery

Rockets forward James Ennis III, who has been out since Dec. 11 with a strained hamstring, sat out on Thursday, but hoped it would be his last game spent on the inactive list.

Ennis said he hopes to return Saturday in New Orleans. Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said the team was targeting a return on Monday, though he added that he did not get a recent update.

"I'm getting better day-by-day, a lot of treatment," Ennis said. "Hopefully, next game I'll be able to play. It's been a little frustrating, but we've been winning so that's the main thing, sitting on the bench, cheering teammates on. I just want to be out there with them, just compete."

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