Houston Rockets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) is still listed as out for Friday's matchup versus the Toronto Raptors. As Houston continues to manage the left lower leg of Eason, the 2022 first-rounder has reportedly begun playing 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 in practice. Head coach Ime Udoka also said on Thursday, per Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston, that Eason could return to game action next week following over a month of missed action, so that likely means the forward is on the wrong side of questionable for Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. First-round rookie Cam Whitmore is coming into his own a bit over his last 10 games, averaging 15.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 triples on 39.7% shooting from beyond the arc since Jan. 13 and is worth streaming in deeper fantasy leagues for the time being.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Sengun has not missed a game this season, so it's unlikely that an illness is going to hold him out of this contest. The Rockets would likely be forced to be small-ball if Sengun is unable to go. That means Jabari Smith Jr. is someone who would probably benefit greatly with Segun sidelined. He'd be a fairly decent streaming choice with additional playing time. Fantasy managers will have to check back closer to tip-off for another update on his status.

Memphis traded center Steven Adams (knee) to Houston on Thursday evening. In exchange, the Grizzlies received guard Victor Oladipo and three second-round draft picks. The 30-year-old has averaged 9.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks since entering the league in 2013. However, he's battled various injuries over the years, most recently getting sidelined by a knee issue that's kept him off the floor since January 2023. That said, Adams is expected to be healthy to begin the 2024-25 campaign and is anticipated to support Alperen Sengun, one of the NBA's most promising young centers. From a fantasy standpoint, the veteran likely has more than a few productive outings left in the tank.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) did not appear on the injury report for their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. The 20-year-old has missed the last four consecutive games due to an ankle sprain, but it seems like he has fully healed now that he doesn't carry an injury designation at all. He should re-enter his role in the starting lineup and can be started in fantasy leagues regardless of size or format. He's made some improvements in traditional stat categories along with his efficiency so far this year. Smith averages 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 threes made, and 1.2 turnovers per game while shooting 47.4% from the floor.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) won't suit up for Saturday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. He'll now be sidelined for a fourth consecutive contest, so his next chance to return will be on Monday versus the visiting Los Angeles Lakers. The 20-year-old is averaging a career-high 13.7 points this season, meaning there will be extra scoring chances up for grabs, which Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet could mostly absorb. At the same time, Jeff Green may remain in the starting lineup, although he's a hit-or-miss fantasy option.