Dallas Mavericks rule out guard Rajon Rondo indefinitely
— -- The Dallas Mavericks are ruling out Rajon Rondo indefinitely, citing a back injury Rondo sustained Tuesday night at Houston, according to league sources.
Rondo played only 34 seconds in the second half of Dallas' Game 2 loss, benched by Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle after picking up two quick fouls, while defending James Harden, as well as a technical. The former All-Star logged just under 10 minutes of court time for the whole game.
Sources say Rondo reported suffering from back spasms after the game. With Devin Harris (toe) also injured, Carlisle is expected to start J.J. Barea at the point in Game 3.
Carlisle is scheduled to address the local media at 5:30 p.m. ET Wednesday to discuss Rondo's status.
Asked after the game if Rondo wanted to be on the floor, Carlisle told reporters in Houston: "You have to ask him that question. All I know right now is that we need everybody at their competitive best. This isn't about one guy who did or didn't play. This is about everybody pulling in the same direction for the organization. That's what it's about."
Just four minutes into the game, Rondo nonchalantly walked the ball up the floor and got whistled for an eight-second backcourt violation with the Rockets applying no pressure. He was then replaced by Barea some 40 seconds later after Jason Terry got loose on the ensuing inbounds pass for a wide-open 3, with Carlisle keeping Rondo on the bench until 5:30 remained in the second quarter.
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