Rockets veteran center Tyson Chandler had played in just two of the previous nine games when he was the choice as the backup on Saturday against the Lakers. Thabo Sefolosha had played in just two of 11 games when he was called on as the backup at power forward.
In both cases, the role could be temporary, based on unusual circumstances.
“I thought Tyson was just a better (option),” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said of playing Chandler rather than Isaiah Hartenstein or small lineups. “Dwight (Howard) is a big dude, throws people around. You get thrown around or try to push him, (a second-year center) won’t get the benefit of the doubt.