Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) laugh while sitting on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96. less
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) laugh while sitting on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes a free throw that was a result of a technical against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes a free throw that was a result of a technical against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) drives to the basket in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) drives to the basket in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) drives to the basket around Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) drives to the basket around Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives around Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) for a layup in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives around Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) for a layup in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shot is blocked by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shot is blocked by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) talks to Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) about defense against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) talks to Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) about defense against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) posts up against Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) posts up against Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) takes down a defensive rebound agains the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) takes down a defensive rebound agains the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) puts up the ball around Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) puts up the ball around Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes a basket in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes a basket in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) puts up a shot in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) puts up a shot in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) dishes the ball out of the paint in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) dishes the ball out of the paint in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) gets a rebound against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) gets a rebound against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts as he shot is blocked by Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) in the second quater at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts as he shot is blocked by Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) in the second quater at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) puts the ball up around Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the second quater at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) puts the ball up around Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the second quater at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket in the second quater against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket in the second quater against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) plays defense against Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) plays defense against Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) reacts on the sidelines against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) reacts on the sidelines against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) tries to get the ball against Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) tries to get the ball against Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) is taken out of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) is taken out of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) looks at Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) after falling on the floor injured in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. less
Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) looks at Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) after falling on the floor injured in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a three-point shot against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a three-point shot against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket around Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in the second quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket around Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in the second quarter at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) points to the sky during the second quarter of game action against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) points to the sky during the second quarter of game action against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes his way onto the court during introductions before the Houston Rockets host Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes his way onto the court during introductions before the Houston Rockets host Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Zhou Qi (9) lines up with Charlotte Hornets guard Treveon Graham (21) during a free throw shot. Houston Rockets host Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96. less
Houston Rockets forward Zhou Qi (9) lines up with Charlotte Hornets guard Treveon Graham (21) during a free throw shot. Houston Rockets host Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) drives past Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (4) at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) drives past Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (4) at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) chase after a loose ball at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) chase after a loose ball at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) chase after a loose ball at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) chase after a loose ball at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni talks to the referee during the second half of game action against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96. less
Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni talks to the referee during the second half of game action against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) laugh while sitting on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96. less
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) laugh while sitting on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) holds out his fingers after scoring a three-point shot during Houston's win over Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Paul was high scorer with 31 points in the game. less
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) holds out his fingers after scoring a three-point shot during Houston's win over Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Paul was ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) dunks the ball in the second half of game action against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) dunks the ball in the second half of game action against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Rockets won the game 108-96.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) puts up a shot in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) puts up a shot in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Charlotte Hornets assistant head coach Stephen Silas talks to the referee during game action against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford was not at the game. less
Charlotte Hornets assistant head coach Stephen Silas talks to the referee during game action against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston. Charlotte Hornets head ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

In the Rockets’ effort to catch the Warriors – and despite the Rockets’ better record, Mike D’Antoni made it clear that the NBA is still chasing the champions – they have come to do something very much out of the Warriors’ style.

Games are relatively close, certainly far from decided, when the Rockets change everything. One blast of scoring has often taken games from competitive to a challenge to stay interested the rest of the way. That has never been more evident than in Wednesday’s rout of the Hornets, with the Rockets tearing through a 25-0 run that made the game a blowout.

The Rockets were not their best through much of the game. James Harden matched his lowest scoring game of the season. None of that mattered. When they got on a roll, they owned the game and the winning streak reached 11.

1.     The Rockets always planned to stagger the playing time of James Harden and Chris Paul, making sure they have an elite point guard on the floor at all times. That makes their offense work throughout, but it also sets up mismatches that have dominated games. Paul operating against backups has often seemed unfair, most vividly in the romps past the Suns and Grizzlies in his first games back, but rarely more so than Wednesday when the Rockets’ second unit dominated late in the first quarter and to start the second. This was the pattern in mounting the rallies to start the fourth quarters against the Blazers and Pelicans in the previous games, when the Rockets spread the floor and Paul took over before Harden’s return. Against the Hornets, the Rockets soared with Paul at the point. This was always part of the plan, but Wednesday’s rout showed another benefit the Rockets have not often seen because of Harden’s outstanding play in the winning streak. On Wednesday, Harden was off. He was more tentative against the Hornets defense and missed his 3s when they went under screens. He made 8 of 22 shots, scoring 21 points, his fewest of the season. It did not matter because Paul dominated with a season-high 31 points and 11 assists. The Rockets were outscored by six in Harden’s 31 minutes, but outscored the Hornets by 31 in the 35 minutes Paul played. In the past, if Harden was off, the Rockets were in trouble. He would have had to grind through much more than 31 minutes. The Rockets might have been able to get a win, but it would not have been the easy romp they enjoyed on Wednesday, just as they had planned all along.

2.     After several games with their defense coming on late to make up for struggles along the way, the Rockets needed a solid defensive night more than even a return to the blowouts. They got that and never seemed threatened once they pulled away, but the Hornets’ limitations made the game a good warmup for tougher challenges, rather than much of a test. Charlotte has long lacked enough 3-point shooting and might eventually solve that shortcoming to some degree if their young players pan out. But without it, the Rockets took advantage of 4 of 21 shooting from the 3-point line to easily hold Charlotte shy of 100. The Rockets are 10-1 when holding opponents short of 100 points, 28-1 in the past two seasons. They are 11-1 when an opponent fails to make 45 percent of its shots, 35-2 in the past two seasons. The Rockets’ offense is such a sure thing that if they limit an opponent as they did on Wednesday, they are tough to beat. Dwight Howard’s offensive rebounding was a reason for concern. The Hornets’ 20 second-chance points were nearly nine more than the Rockets allow per game. With the Spurs sixth in scoring off missed shots, the Rockets will have reason to point to the one defensive shortcoming on Wednesday to prepare for Friday. But they got their defense going again, moved back into the top five in defensive rating (tied with the Jazz) and showed again how tough they can be in their defense plays up to the offense.

3.     Though Chris Paul has been all the Rockets’ hoped, with the Rockets 12-0 in games he has played, the Rockets often cite their off-season additions together as keys to their run to the NBA’s best record. P.J. Tucker has played a conspicuous role lately. Luc Mbah a Moute has been crucial as often. He was a part of that group that was dominating on Wednesday when he lost his grip on the rim on a dunk, braced himself on his fall and hurt his right shoulder. The Rockets will spend some of Thursday with tests to get a feel for the degree of the injury, but they knew to expect to be without Mbah a Moute for at least a week or two. This is a significant loss, more than they might have thought it could be when they signed him in the off-season. The Rockets’ second unit has excelled by switching on screens defensively, a strategy that Mbah a Moute and Tucker help make possible. The Rockets had been able to cut back on the playing time of Trevor Ariza and James Harden, which has seemed to help both as Harden’s strong finishes in the comebacks against the Blazers and Pelicans showed. There is not a next man to step up to Mbah a Moute’s role. Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni will likely spread those minutes among the usual suspects, with Ariza especially likely to play longer stretches than usual. It helps that Gordon seems to have regained his shooting touch. Tucker, who has played largely as a backup four with a few stretches at center, will play more at small forward than he has. The Rockets have the depth to withstand the injury. But they also knew they would miss what Mbah a Moute has brought to a group that has keyed much of the season’s success.