Rockets News: Injury bug bites Jabari Smith Jr. too hard

Over the last two seasons, the Houston Rockets have had solid injury luck.

The timing has been perfect. As soon as the Rockets were ready to transition to competitive basketball, the Gods smiled on them. Now, they seem to be frowning.

Tari Eason hasn't been able to shake a recurring leg injury this year. His absence has been difficult enough.

Now, the team will be without Jabari Smith Jr.

Rockets lose Smith Jr.

It seems the young forward broke his hand during practice.

This is a tough blow for Houston. Jeff Green is ready to step in for Smith Jr. He is, if you'll pardon some bluntness, old.

Green has barely seen the floor in 2024-25. He won't be able to replicate Smith Jr.'s defensive switchability or youthful intensity. This will be an undeniable downgrade in the starting lineup.

Moreover, the Rockets are already one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA. Smith Jr. is one of their best shooters. Functionally, he's critical to Houston.

They'll have to live without him. Smith Jr. seemingly will need surgery. He's going to be re-evaluated in 4-to-8 weeks. The Rockets run the risk of slipping in the standings during that timeframe.

Can the Rockets survive without him?

Opportunities arise for young Rockets

You hate to find a silver lining in an injury. Smith Jr. is a human being first and foremost. Still, he's also a Rocket who has a vested interest in the team's success...so here goes.

Amen Thompson will return from suspension on Sunday. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him inserted directly into the starting lineup.

Cam Whitmore has been vocal about his rotation spot lately. He should see more minutes. Whitmore is a bit small at the 4, but shuffling the rotation around ought to shake some space loose for him regardless.

How about Jae'Sean Tate? He'll find more minutes as well. The Rockets may not see him as part of their future, but the opportunity to showcase his trade value is worth something. The better he plays during this stretch, the more likely the Rockets can use him to upgrade their roster.

Finally, this ought to be a freak accident. Smith Jr. broke his hand. There's no reason to worry that this will be a recurring issue.

Those things all count, but none of those factors are as impactful as simply having Smith Jr. available. Here's hoping he has a speedy recovery:

Not that Lady Luck owes the Rockets anything.