Houston Rockets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (ankle) is not on the injury report against the Warriors, even though there was an earlier report that the 31-year-old would sit out since the Rockets were playing the second half of a back-to-back set of games. Adams had five points and six rebounds while playing just 10 minutes against the Suns, so maybe the lighter workload is part of why he can bounce back and play again on Thursday. He has been dealing with an ankle injury that has had him in and out of the lineup, but it looks like he'll be available to serve as the primary backup for Alperen Sengun in the Rockets' last game before the All-Star break.

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (ankle) will be held out of the team's second game in a back-to-back situation on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. Adams has recently been in and out of the lineup due to an ankle injury. He will be rested against the Warriors after Adams registered five points and six rebounds in 10 minutes Wednesday night in a 119-111 win over the Phoenix Suns. Jock Landale and Jeff Green didn't see the court on Wednesday and will be fully rested to back up Alperen Sengun. However, the two don't have any fantasy value.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (lower leg) will not be in the lineup on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. Eason has managed a lower leg injury throughout the campaign, and the team will keep him out of action for the second leg of a back-to-back. On Wednesday, Eason had a big night against the Phoenix Suns, scoring a team-high 25 points while also recording nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 34 minutes. Eason started instead of Aaron Holiday, who may move back to the starting unit for Thursday's action. At the same time, Cam Whitmore and Jae'Sean Tate could see a few extra minutes with Eason unavailable.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (back) will play on Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns. Troubled by back spasms, Sengun logged only three minutes on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, and the team initially listed him as questionable for Wednesday's matchup. On Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks, Sengun recorded his fourth 30-point game of the season, and his recent performances include a 20-20 outing, showing that the Turkish big man has been in good form overall lately.