Report: Jazz 'Optimistic' Ricky Rubio Will Play in Game 4 After Hamstring Injury

After missing the first three games of the series, Utah Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio is listed as questionable for Game 4 on Sunday against the Houston Rockets, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Saturday.

According to MacMahon, Rubio will get more treatment on his left hamstring Sunday morning, at which point the Jazz will know more about whether he can return to the court. MacMahon spoke to a member of the Jazz who said the team is "optimistic" Rubio will play.

Utah trails Houston 2-1 in the series, and getting Rubio back doesn't exactly mean the Jazz can upset the top seed in the Western Conference.

But a healthy Rubio would unquestionably be a major asset. According to NBA.com, the team has had a 95.0 defensive rating with Rubio on the floor in the postseason. Utah's defensive rating has climbed to 109.5 without him.

Rubio's offensive contributions may be even more needed for a Jazz squad without a genuine No. 2 scorer behind Donovan Mitchell. Rubio averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 assists per game in the first round. Not to mention, his presence would allow Mitchell to focus less on playmaking and more on scoring.