Rockets’ Sura sidelined with back injury

Sura, who was examined by Dr. Robert Watkins of the Los Angeles Spine Surgery Institute, had undergone surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back on September 21 that forced him to miss the first 14 games of the season.

"We expect Bob’s injury will keep him off the court for the next 10 to 14 days," general manager Carroll Dawson said. "Fortunately, this is not a recurrence of his injury from the summer, but instead an aggravation of scar tissue around the repaired disc. Bob will rehabilitate from this injury over the next several days before returning to basketball activity."

Sura, in his first season with the Rockets, is scoring 10.8 points-per-game to go along with career-best averages of 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.28 steals.

Houston picked up a little insurance in case Sura’s injury is worse than expected, as it acquired guard Mike James from the Milwaukee Bucks for Reece Gaines and a pair of future second round picks on Thursday.

In a related move, the Rockets waived guard Rod Strickland, who had started the last two games in Sura’s absence. The 38-year-old Strickland signed on with the Rockets, his ninth team in 17 NBA season, back onJanuary 19.