Jabari Smith Jr. Out with Hand Injury After Rockets Practice Incident

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By: Mike

The Houston Rockets have encountered some disappointing injury developments as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Head coach Ime Udoka reported that during the team’s afternoon shootaround in Houston, Jabari Smith Jr. suffered a fracture to his left hand. He is likely to need surgery and might be sidelined for a period ranging from four to eight weeks.

“He was accidentally hit on the hand during practice,” Udoka explained to the media. “Initially, it seemed minor, then the pain intensified. … It continued to worsen during the session until he had it examined. That’s when they diagnosed the fracture.”

Udoka added that the team is currently awaiting a second medical opinion before proceeding with the surgery.

Since being selected by the Rockets as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Smith has been a starting player in every game he has played. Although he’s averaging a career-low 11.9 points per game in 2024, the Rockets have managed a strong season record of 22–11, positioning them as the third seed in the Western Conference so far.

The game against Boston is set to start at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, taking place at the Toyota Center in Houston.


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