NBA Rumors: Ricky Rubio to miss start of series vs. Rockets

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz gives instructions to Ricky Rubio
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz gives instructions to Ricky Rubio

NBA Rumors: Utah Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio is expected to miss the start of the series vs. the Houston Rockets with an injured hamstring

Fresh off “upsetting” – and I only use that because many picked OKC to win the series because of its overwhelming talentthe Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, the Utah Jazz will be heading into their second-round series against the Houston Rockets short-handed.

After leaving Game 6 against the Thunder and not returning, Ricky Rubio is expected to miss at least the start of Utah’s series against the Rockets.

He will be out for Game 1 and possibly more. He could miss up to 10 days. If so, that means he could miss the first three games of this series.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

"[via ESPN]The Utah Jazz estimate that point guard Ricky Rubio will miss 10 days with a left hamstring strain, league sources told ESPN on Saturday."

Rubio was huge for the Jazz in their series against the Thunder, at certain times out-playing Russell Westbrook. While Donovan Mitchell gets the headlines, Rubio has been really good for the Jazz during their most recent hot streak.

Against a team like the Rockets, you’re going to need all the talent and depth you can get.  Not having Rubio, even if only for the first two or three games of this series, is going to put the Jazz at a disadvantage.

This is not a great development for those hoping that Utah could upset a team like the Rockets. While Utah’s defense will slow Houston down to a certain extent, after a certain point, you need to score points.

Even though Rubio isn’t an offensive mastermind, he’s definitely a player that would force the Rockets to defend. Not having him will hurt. Question is, how much will it hurt them?