Houston Rockets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (ankle) missed the last seven games before the All-Star break, but coach Ime Udoka said he would be a game-time decision on Friday when the Rockets take on the Timberwolves. In his 45 games this season, FVV averaged 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in 35.5 minutes per game. While he has been sidelined, Amen Thompson and Aaron Holiday stepped into larger roles and turned in big games. With Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) also expected to return on Friday, it could be a very different Rockets' rotation against Minnesota, although Udoka declined to name a starting five on Thursday.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) said he is ready to return on Friday when the Rockets resume their season against the Timberwolves after the All-Star break. Coach Ime Udoka said that Smith would not be on any minutes restriction, even though it will be his first game since January 1. Smith started all 33 of his games this season, averaging 30.9 minutes, 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. With Fred VanVleet (ankle) a game-time decision, Udoka declined to say whether Smith would start or come off the bench, but his return will have a big impact as the Rockets try to make a push for the postseason.

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) is set to rejoin the action after the All-Star break. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Smith Jr., who fractured his hand on Jan. 1, is aiming for a return on Feb. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 21-year-old has averaged 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 30.9 minutes this season. Amen Thompson has excelled in a starting role during Smith Jr.'s absence, and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka will face some tough decisions once the entire squad is back together. Smith Jr. has been a starter for all 188 of his career games so far.