The Houston Rockets have gotten off to a fast start, winning 11 of their first 15 games. Due to a sudden influx of injuries, however, the team is having to get by with their starters playing heavy minutes. James Harden is playing 36.7 minutes per game, which is tied for fourth in the league, while Russell Westbrook is playing 33.2. 34-year-old P.J. Tucker is having to play a career-most 34.7 minutes per game.
Injuries to Gerald Green, Eric Gordon and Danuel House have forced players like Ben McLemore to play a bigger role than expected, which has had mixed results.