The Houston Rockets will be without second-leading scorer Eric Gordon for Thursday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.  Gordon had previously been listed as questionable while dealing with what is being described as minor back soreness. 

This likely isn't much more than the Rockets showing some caution with their injury-plagued guard. Prior to a healthy 2016-17 season, Gordon missed 189 games over the past five seasons. Keeping him healthy will be key to the team's hopes of earning a top-two seed in the Western Conference. 

Gordon has had a tremendous first season with the Rockets, averaging 17.3 points while shooting 39 percent from distance. With Gordon out, look for Sam Dekker to see an uptick in minutes against Charlotte.