HOUSTON -- Before the Houston Rockets scuffled through an overtime win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, coach Mike D'Antoni spoke at length on the challenge of keeping players sharp in advance of the playoffs while also providing rest as the regular season wraps up.
That chore began in earnest against Detroit and will continue Saturday at Toyota Center when the Rockets (58-14) host the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Rockets outlasted the Pistons despite resting starting guard Chris Paul (hamstring) and losing reserve forward Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) during the game.