With Nene, Tony Parker Gone, Spurs-Rockets Battle Man Down

Nene immediately went for an MRI, and Monday morning the team announced that he'll be out for the remainder of the playoffs with a torn left adductor.

With compliments from a future first ballot Hall of Fame coach, it is hard to deny the impact that not having Nene available for the remainder of the playoffs will do to the Rockets.

Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley was playing with a heavy heart this weekend during the team's Game 4 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets medical staff is now reviewing treatment options.

The 6-foot-11, 250-pound Nene entered Sunday's game averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game during the playoffs.

With the series tied 2-2, expect the Spurs to try and play more like they did in quarters 2-4 of Game 4 rather than quarter one.

With the Spurs taking the next two games, including game three at Toyota Center, the Rockets found themselves backpedaling in a series that the Rockets seemed poised to win after their dominating performance in the series opener.

"I thought we did a great job of having patience with their drive-ins", Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said. It's an opportunity for guys who don't play big minutes and for guys who haven't really played and might get some opportunities.

"He's pretty much on the flawless team for the way they play and what their goals are offensively". This week, these series head to two crucial Game 5s, as the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs head home and attempt to retake the lead.

Harrell, a second-year player who averaged 9.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game during the regular season, is another option to back up Capela.

Nene's minutes will likely go to a combination of Montrezl Harrell and Chinanu Onuaku.

"I just tried to play with pace", said Harden, who scored 43 points in Game Three. With a limited number of big men available, it makes sense to keep one on the bench in case one gets into foul trouble early.

The Houston Rockets will be high on confidence after blowing past the Spurs by 125-104 in Game 4 to level the series at 2-2.

"For us, you know, our bible begins with transition defense", Popovich said after the game.

In the third quarter, the Rockets' lineup with Anderson at center was a +1, and the team hit eight three-pointers in that quarter. "I'm gonna do all I can to keep them off the rebound, off the offensive glass, and just depend on my teammates for help". Make or miss, I don't care. You're also asking for one of them to defend a three-point shooter at all times.

The solution, as I see it, is for the Spurs to go small full-time, no matter how distasteful Pop finds it.