Lighter Eric Gordon cleared to play tonight for Rockets

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LOS ANGELES - Rockets guard Eric Gordon returned to the Rockets' rotation on Wednesday against the Clippers, assuming his usual spot in the rotation subbing in for Chris Paul. But there was less of Gordon than when he last played.

After a bout with food poisoning, Gordon said he dropped eight to 10 pounds he did not have to lose, but he no longer felt other effects of his illness.

Gordon had not played since Feb. 13 in Minneapolis, missing the last game before the All-Star break the next night with a bruised knee. He missed the Rockets' first three games after the break. Gordon went into Wednesday's game as the Rockets' third-leading scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game.

"No matter how good a shape you're in, when you're out for a week, you feel out of shape for a week," Gordon said. "I'm trying to get back into playing and trying to feel strong again. It's going to take these next couple games to get all the way back.

"It was tough to deal with. I had food poisoning and a fever. I couldn't eat or drink. But I feel a lot better now. I couldn't tell you (what made him sick) but I was messed up."

Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) checks the scoreboard after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) less Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) checks the scoreboard after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Houston. (AP ... more Photo: Michael Wyke/Associated Press Photo: Michael Wyke/Associated Press Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close Lighter Eric Gordon cleared to play tonight for Rockets 1 / 32 Back to Gallery

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