Amen Thompson to Get Green Light for Houston Rockets With Green Injured

Jalen Green is listed as "out" for the Houston Rockets' next preseason game, giving extra reps to the rookie Amen Thompson.

In the first preseason battle against the San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets will be without Jalen Green due to a toe issue. With the Rockets short-handed, all eyes would be on the matchup between Jabari Smith Jr. and Victor Wembanyama.

Except for the fact that Wembanyama is also listed as out, as are Tre Jones and Devin Vassell. Without Wembanyama, there isn’t exactly a marquee matchup in the game. Fortunately, the two teams face off again on Wednesday, hopefully with full rosters.

With three of the Spurs’ best defenders out of the picture and the primary ball handler sitting out for Houston, Amen Thompson will likely be given the keys to the offense. Alongside a veteran guard in Fred VanVleet, Thompson will be given a sidekick just in case things go south for him. 

However, Thompson will likely avoid the Spurs’ best-remaining defender Jeremy Sochan, who will be tied up down low with Smith.

With Keldon Johnson or Malaki Branham, Thompson could erupt for a preseason high in scoring while solidifying himself as one of the best picks in the draft. 

While scoring and shooting have been issues for Thompson, he is defending just as well as Henderson, Brandon Miller, and his brother Ausar. His playmaking has been pristine. He has a willingness to shoot. However, Thompson has not developed into a consistent scorer. 

When he runs with the first unit on Monday night, he will have a bit more support, and fans can get their first real taste of the fourth overall pick.