Rick Adelman Calls Schedule ‘Utterly Ridiculous’

by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni

As everyone knows, the Houston Rockets are playing without their two biggest stars. So far, they’ve played remarkably well (13-10 heading into tonight’s game), and surpassed just about everyone’s expectations.

In a cruel twist of scheduling fate, Houston’s road is about to get rougher this month. Really, really tough. The Rockets, who have already played in one set of back-to-back games to kick start the month, will face three more back-to-backs before December ends.

Head coach Rick Adelman is understandably less than pleased, and let the Associated Press know all about it:

“We have a horrendous stretch here,” Adelman said. “I don’t know if the league really understands that they gave us four straight back-to-backs. It’s awful. It’s utterly ridiculous, But that’s the schedule we have, it’s just the way it is and we’re just going to have to respond to it.”

Adelman said the schedule gives his team little time to practice, and even less time to spend with their families for the holiday. “Every team should have a chance where they’re home a little bit,” he said. “We have no chance. This is the most ridiculous schedule I’ve ever seen.”

Houston’s record in back-to-backs this season so far is 6-4.

Rick Adelman’s wallet will likely become a bit lighter this week once Stu Jackson gives him a call. Adelman may have every right to complaint, but his wails won’t change a thing for his team, at least not this season. Who knows, maybe the schedule makers will be kinder to Houston next year.