Bruno Fernando nears return, Rockets open to playing Usman Garuba at forward

Bruno Fernando began the 2022-23 season as Houston’s starting center, but he played less than two games for the Rockets before going down with left knee tendinitis. That cost him more than a month of games, and it led to second-year center Alperen Sengun becoming the starter in the middle and Usman Garuba the backup.

Now, it appears Fernando is finally ready to return, as evidenced by him participating in Tuesday’s practice at Toyota Center. While it’s unclear whether Fernando will regain his previous role in the starting lineup, the reality is that it’s tough to play three centers, and Sengun’s development makes his minutes a clear priority.

So, if Fernando plays, would that squeeze out promising second-year big man Usman Garuba, who has had a strong run of games in recent weeks? Not necessarily. Per Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets, head coach Stephen Silas said at Tuesday’s practice that Garuba at power forward is a possibility in the games ahead.

Stephen Silas said Usman Garuba at the four next to Alperen Sengun or Bruno Fernando is a possibility once Fernando returns to the lineup.

— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) November 22, 2022

It should be noted, however, that there’s no easy solution. If Garuba plays at power forward, that could eat into the available minutes for a reserve forward such as KJ Martin or rookie Tari Eason. Both Martin and Eason have played well in recent games. There’s also the matter of eventually finding room in the rotation for veteran forward Jae’Sean Tate, who has missed most of the season with ankle issues.

Whatever the case, we could find out Silas’ initial plan for re-integrating Fernando when Houston returns to action on Friday night at home versus Atlanta. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Central.

Bruno Fernando practiced with the Rockets today, first full practice for him since the injury in the second game.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 22, 2022