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Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. will be out for four to eight weeks after fracturing his left hand during shootaround on Friday, as announced by coach Ime Udoka.
Coach Ime Udoka stated that Amen Thompson will replace Jabari Smith Jr. in the starting lineup.
Udoka mentioned that Smith sustained a hand injury during practice, which was later diagnosed as a fracture. The date for his surgery is pending confirmation of the severity of the injury after a second opinion from Houston.
Meanwhile, Amen Thompson will assume Smith’s position in the starting lineup, stated Udoka. Smith, aged 21, was the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft from Auburn and is currently in his third season with the Rockets.
#Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. fractured his left hand during shootaround this morning and is expected to miss 4-8 weeks
Ime Udoka provided this update prior to tonight’s @HoustonRockets game against the Celtics
More details on Pregame Show on SCHN at 6:30PM pic.twitter.com/A0NhL7FJ5Q
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) January 4, 2025
Smith has been averaging 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 30.9 minutes per game in 33 starts this season, with shooting percentages of 43.5% from the field, 35.4% from 3-point range, and a career-high 86.7% from the free-throw line.
In a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 15, Smith scored a season-high 28 points on efficient shooting percentages.
Houston Rockets have the second-best odds of trading for Jimmy Butler.
Additionally, the Rockets are missing forward Tari Eason due to a leg injury and Amen Thompson recently served a two-game suspension for his involvement in a game altercation with the Miami Heat.
According to NBA betting odds, the Rockets (+400) are the second favorite to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat before the trade deadline, behind the Golden State Warriors (-200).
Smith could potentially be part of a trade package for Butler, alongside other players, as Houston looks to build around their young core and draft picks.
Houston currently holds the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and aims to make a playoff return after a four-year absence.
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