Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Eason was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice, so it's not shocking to see the Rockets hold him out for another game. Cam Whitmore figures to have an increased role while Eason sits out. Whitmore struggled during their last game, but he could be worth a look as a low-end streaming option on Wednesday.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Vanvleet was held out of Sunday's game due to lower back tightness. Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore saw increased roles in the rotation with the Rockets missing multiple players. Vanvleet's return should mean a decreased role for Whitmore, while Thompson could remain with a significant role. Regardless, fantasy managers who have Vanvleet rostered should be able to get him back in their lineups for Wednesday's slate.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (back) won't play on Sunday against the Celtics. He's battling lower back tightness. But he logged 34 minutes in Saturday's overtime victory over the Utah Jazz, so the team is likely playing it safe on the second night of consecutive outings. With Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) also out, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun should be the team's primary scoring options. However, there's room for Dillon Brooks, Aaron Holiday, and Jae'Sean Tate to get more involved.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) won't play on Sunday against the Boston Celtics. The 20-year-old logged 41 minutes in Saturday's overtime win over the Utah Jazz, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds. However, Smith tweaked his left ankle during the extra quarter, although he downplayed the severity of the ailment. At any rate, it's possible the Rockets could be without him for at least a few more games. Houston also won't have Fred VanVleet, so Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Alperen Sengun could benefit significantly on the scoring end. In addition, Aaron Holiday and Jae'Sean Tate could see more streaming interest from fantasy managers, considering both men will likely enter the starting lineup versus Boston.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) will miss a 10th consecutive game on Saturday against Utah. He was ruled out for one-to-two weeks on Jan. 10 but still isn't game-ready. The team is trying to manage a left lower leg injury with him, and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said on Friday that he wants Eason to be pain-free when he returns. Eason is one of the top defensive players on the Rockets roster and has averaged close to 22 minutes a night. With him out of the picture, Cam Whitmore has entered the rotation. He's averaging 10.9 points and 3.8 rebounds for the month but has been fairly inconsistent with his performances.