Houston Rockets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) is expected to miss 4-8 weeks with a fractured left hand, the team announced on Friday, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Smith Jr. was injured during shootaround ahead of Friday's game against Boston. The third-year player averages 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks across 30.9 minutes this season. With Tari Eason (lower leg) also nursing an injury and Amen Thompson suspended, the door is open for Cam Whitmore and Jae'Sean Tate to make a big impact. The former has already had a few impressive outings lately.

According to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle, Houston Rockets forwardDillon Brooks(personal) didn't practice on Tuesday. Per Rockets coach Ime Udoka, everyone practiced today except Brooks, who had a personal matter. Hopefully, the 28-year-old doesn't miss any games, as he posted 22 points, four rebounds, and one block in 40 minutes during Sunday's 104-100 loss to the Heat after sitting out three consecutive contests due to a right ankle effusion.

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (ankle) won't play in Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his third-consecutive absence. The 28-year-old has had a decent season, averaging 13.6 points. However, his abilities on the defensive end are what Houston have missed the most. With Tari Eason (leg) questionable, the team could look to Cam Whitmore to take on some minutes from off the bench. Whitemore is coming off a potent outing, scoring 27 points and shooting 4-for-8 from behind the arc in Thursday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) has a chance to return from a four-game absence on Friday after being listed as questionable against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team has listed him as going through lower leg injury management, after seemingly seeing a flare-up after he last played on December 14. If he's unable to play, Cam Whitmore would likely see added minutes again after he registered 27 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal across 27 minutes off of the bench on Thursday.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (lower leg) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's encounter with New Orleans. He's missed the past three games while managing a lower leg injury. Eason has established himself as one of the league's most productive bench players, averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in 22.8 minutes this season. He might have a bigger role to play in Thursday's game due to Dillon Brooks' (ankle), although the team likely will not want to overwork him. Cam Whitmore and Jae'Sean Tate will lose minutes with Eason's return.