One night after losing Dillon Brooks to a right oblique strain, the Rockets also lost frontcourt mate Jabari Smith Jr. to a left ankle sprain in Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix at Toyota Center. Smith limped to the home locker room in the third quarter and did not return.
For now, that leaves Houston without both of its usual starting forwards. Projected return timetables are not yet known for either player, according to a postgame update by head coach Ime Udoka.
For Smith, the talented No. 3 overall draft pick from the 2022 first round, the unfortunate injury comes at a time in which he had been building momentum by the game. Over his last four outings, the 20-year-old had averaged 22.8 points (57.7% FG, 45.0% on 3-pointers) and 9.5 rebounds in 35.9 minutes per game for the Rockets.
Jae’Sean Tate and Tari Eason, who normally back up Brooks and Smith, appear to be candidates for increased workloads in the near future. With the status of both starting forwards in doubt, Houston (15-14) resumes play Friday at home versus Philadelphia (21-9).
Jabari Smith Jr. is out with a sprained left ankle. He played 22 minutes.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 28, 2023
