Rockets Sustain Injuries to Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green Amid Loss to Suns
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets dropped their second consecutive game in a 129-113 defeat to the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night. But despite the Rockets falling to 0-2 at the start of their seven-game homestand, injuries are starting to take a toll.
Midway through the third quarter, Jabari Smith Jr. stepped on Tari Eason's foot and sustained a left ankle sprain. He limped to the locker room and did not return. Coach Ime Udoka did not have an update on Smith's status, but after the game, the third-year forward was walking fine despite a slight limp.
Smith played 22 minutes and recorded nine points and three rebounds in the loss. However, Jalen Green may have sustained a more painful injury.
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. and guard Jalen Green before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Green suffered an apparent lower leg injury midway through the second quarter. After grimacing in pain for a few seconds, he finished the game playing 25 minutes.
He scored 23 points on 6 of 12 shooting from behind the arc but walked to his post-game media availability with a significant limp. Green did not reveal what was causing the discomfort but confirmed he was in pain.
The injuries to Smith and Green came 24 hours after the Rockets lost Dillon Brooks due to an abdominal oblique strain. Jae'Sean Tate started in Brooks' absence and recorded seven points, two rebounds and a steal in the loss.
"I do not know the status of Dillon or Jabari, but we have dealt with guys being in and out all season," Udoka said. "Albeit, it is a little different when starters are missing, but other guys will get an opportunity. That's when our depth comes in. Just keep doing what we have been doing all year. Get some rest. And get ready for Philadelphia [76ers] Friday."
