The Houston Rockets looked poised to overthrow an on-par opponent in Indiana Pacers last night. But as luck would have it, after a particularly Dillon Brooks moment, the controversial Rockets player returned to the locker room; surprisingly on account of an injury and not because of a foul or ejection.

It was announced that Brooks suffered a right abdominal oblique strain and wouldn’t be returning to the game. Everyone hoped he would return for the Suns matchup tonight (given that he has a league-top name in KD as an opponent). Unfortunately, the latest update by Ime Udoka has crushed any such hopes.

Along with Brooks’ absence, potential starter Tari Eason also looks to be absent. With such a development, it looks like the ball is in Cam Whitmore’s hands, both literally and figuratively.

Tonight’s absence will be the first time Brooks missed a game this season. Having played all 28 games this season, he is averaging, 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and a free throw percentage of 83.3 per game. The eighth seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets stand at 15-13.

Have the Dillon Brooks-antics become the new normal?

The most recent in his episodes of shenanigans would be yesterday’s Tyrese Haliburton incident. Landing a layup over the Pacers’ star, he stood over Haliburton after being knocked down. While social media and the NBA world swallowed the viral clip whole, a few still couldn’t help pointing out how Brooks didn’t get a foul.

Dillon Brooks and Ime Udoka Tossed Out before Damian Lillard Gets a Four-Free Throw Foul in Egregious Milwaukee Battle

The general annoyance can be understandable in a season where every look, breath, and movement seemed to result in a foul. According to StatMuse, Dillon Brooks has committed 105 personal fouls just this season. From his altercation with LeBron James earlier in the year (hit in the groin area), which resulted in a flagrant 2 foul and subsequent ejection to the most recent Daniel Theis (again, groin hit), the Canadian is the muscle of whichever team brave enough to sign him.

Trending

“Transferring? Hell Yeah”: Nika Muhl Gets Blunt on Fights With Geno Auriemma After 4 Years of Loyalty to UConn

May 04, 2024 09:02 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal and TNT Co-Hosts to Part Ways After 13 Years? Analyzing “Inside the NBA” Hurdles That Might End an Era

May 04, 2024 02:30 PM EDT

“Choking an Old Man”: 7ft Shaquille O’Neal Restrained Ex-Teammate During Locker Room Outburst, Claims NBA Veteran

May 04, 2024 04:00 PM EDT

Unlike Caitlin Clark, Nika Muhl Loves Fever Star’s WNBA Problem: “Honestly, I Had No Idea”

May 04, 2024 11:00 PM EDT

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s Drink With Derek Jeter Was Enough for Yankees Legend to Invest in $11.69 Billion Worth Industry

May 03, 2024 01:00 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

There is no doubt that the 2023 FIBA Best Defensive Player is ready to do anything to ensure his team’s success. While many would contest that his presence would be particularly welcome with the Pistons, Houston might agree to disagree. And maybe Brooks could be instrumental in bringing back the kind of basketball everyone is hungry for right about now.

Do you think Dillon Brooks is changing the atmosphere of the NBA regarding in-game celebrations that seem to be grounds for fouls? Let us know your thoughts below.

Watch This Story: Will Alperen Sengun Become the First All Star Out of Houston Since James Harden?