Inside The Rockets

Why Rockets' Amen Thompson Won't Face Pistons Twin Ausar

Ausar Thompson will miss the battle against his twin Amen in the Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons matchup.

Jeremy Brener

Jan 12, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) battles for for the ball with his twin brother Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) battles for for the ball with his twin brother Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images / David Reginek-Imagn Images
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Houston Rockets second-year pro Amen Thompson has circled today's game against the Detroit Pistons on the calendar since the schedule was released as it is a chance to line up against his twin brother Ausar.

However, Ausar won't be in action for the Pistons when they play the Rockets this afternoon as he is still recovering from blood clots he suffered in his rookie season.

“Still going through the same process,” Bickerstaff said h/t Detroit Pistons On SI. “Obviously, have to be patient. We have to be there for him as much as we can. That’s the hardest part of this. The toll that it takes on him personally, his want to be on the floor, and all those things.”

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft (one selection after the Rockets took Amen) averaged 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 63 appearances for the Pistons in his rookie season.

Ausar hasn't played since Mar. 20 as he looks to get past these issues, and while there is hope that he can play for the Pistons this season, it won't come today against his twin brother.

Ausar will have a chance to face off against Amen when the two teams play their next matchup in Houston on Jan. 20.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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