8 Jae'Sean Tate SF

Tate played 30 minutes in Monday's 125-120 loss to the Bulls, scoring 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-5 3Pt) and adding six rebounds and one block.

Back on the bench after a two-game run in the starting five, Tate still saw the fifth-most minutes of any Rockets player. Head coach Stephen Silas has seemingly taken a liking to Tate for the multifaceted skill set he offers, as the 25-year-old rookie has seen work this season as a de facto point guard and a small-ball center. Once the Rockets are back to full strength, Tate's minutes likely will fall back into the 20- to 25-range, but he should be one of the main beneficiaries if and when Houston eventually trades away P.J. Tucker.

Tate will start Thursday's game against the Spurs, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston reports.

Tate will get the nod over David Nwaba, who coach Stephen Silas apparently feels is better suited for a bench role in this matchup where John Wall (knee) and Eric Gordon (lower leg) are unavailable, not to mention James Harden now being on the Nets. Tate has seen at least 24 minutes in five contests this season, averaging 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in those matchups.

Tate has appeared in each of the Rockets' last four games, averaging 25.8 minutes per contest.

The 25-year-old rookie looked good in training camp and has been rewarded with some early season minutes, though his role could shrink as the Rockets get some regulars back from COVID-19 protocol. In his most recent game Saturday, Tate posted five points, two rebounds, two steals and one assist in a win over the Kings.

Tate scored 13 points (5-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and grabbed four rebounds in Saturday's overtime loss to the Trail Blazers.

With the Rockets down to nine eligible players for their season opener, Tate was given a robust 37 minutes of playing time in his first taste of NBA action. James Harden and Christian Wood combined to take exactly half of Houston's 88 field-goal attempts, but Tate made the most of his nine shots, converting five of his tries, including one three-pointer. He's unlikely to play this much once Houston's COVID-quarantined players return to the court, but Tate at least showed that he's capable of contributing in a reserve role with his effort Saturday.

Tate is not on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against Portland.

Tate was one of several Rockets who was under contact tracing investigation on Wednesday, but he's not listed on the injury report, so all indications are that he'll be available Saturday. The Rockets will likely be severely shorthanded, so the rookie, who showed well during the preseason, should be set for increased minutes.

Tate was sent home from shootaround Wednesday due to COVID-19 contact tracing, Tim MacMahon of ESPN reports.

The situation surrounding the Rockets is still developing, but as of Wednesday afternoon, Tate's status for the night's opener looks to be in question. The 25-year-old rookie showed some promise during the preseason and could emerge as a potential rotation player for Stephen Silas this season.

Tate isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's preseason game against the Spurs, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.

The 25-year-old started the first two exhibition contests but will return to the bench with P.J. Tucker (undisclosed) making his preseason debut. Tate is looking to make his NBA debut during the 2020-21 campaign after averaging 16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals in Australia last year.