Houston Rockets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (illness) will play on Wednesday against the Clippers. The talented Auburn product has been battling an illness and initially landed on the injury report with a questionable tag, but he has been upgraded to available. However, how effective Smith Jr. can be remains to be seen. He already struggled to perform in Tuesday's matchup against San Antonio, recording only two points and three rebounds in 25 minutes. Wednesday's matchup is also a tough one for Smith Jr. and the Rockets, as the Clippers have developed into a very good defensive team.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) is set to undergo season-ending surgery on Monday, according to head coach Ime Udoka. He continued by saying a benign growth was found on Eason's left shinbone. It's believed to be a pain-tolerance issue, but the team has ultimately decided to have the second-year forward undergo surgery. Given recent history, Eason faces around a four-month recovery timetable. He's expected to be ready in time for next season. In the meantime, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore should continue seeing additional playing time.

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (illness) is available Thursday against the Suns. Green has yet to miss a game this season. However, he has struggled in recent weeks. The 22-year-old has been used sparingly for Houston as he hasn't been the team's six-man lately. In 58 games, the guard logs 30.3 minutes and averages 17.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest.

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (illness) is in danger of missing his first game of the season after the team added him to the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's matchup against Phoenix. Green has gone through a few really rough weeks, and it would be another blow for him if he's sidelined on Thursday. Veteran Aaron Holiday is in line to benefit from Green's absence, while youngsters Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore could also get more opportunities to impress. The latter two are definitely the better fantasy options for Thursday's slate.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) is working with the team to get multiple other medical opinions on his leg injury according to head coach Ime Udoka. The 22-year-old hasn't played since January 1 and he's been continually listed on the injury report with "left lower leg injury management." At this point, it seems like the team's doctors aren't exactly sure what's going on with Eason's leg, and it still doesn't feel good enough to practice or take the floor in a game. Now that the season is already creeping into March, further medical opinions may extend Eason's absence into April or maybe even the rest of the season. That official word will come after the doctor visits, so fantasy managers will want to stay tuned. In the meantime, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore will likely keep receiving additional minutes.