Rockets' Tari Eason to Remain Out with Ongoing Leg Injury
HOUSTON — Tari Eason will miss his 25th consecutive game Friday night during the Houston Rockets' home contest against the Phoenix Suns.
Eason has never dealt with a significant injury until an exhibition game against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10. Jalen Smith rolled on Eason's leg during the Rockets' 122-103 preseason victory inside the Toyota Center.
Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) reacts after a call during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The incident caused a "stress reaction" in Eason's left leg that began to flare up following his appearance against the New Orleans Pelicans two nights later. He has since missed 34 games.
According to coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets are waiting for the latest test results to determine his status for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Eason was one of 10 players who played all 82 games during the 2022-23 season. He finished his rookie year averaging 9.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in 21.5 minutes, which led to him joining Jabari Smith Jr. as one of five players named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team selection.
His name is already in the company of a pair of all-time greats when he became the third rookie to tally 80 or more steals and 40 or more blocks since the 1980-81 season — joining James Worthy and Scottie Pippen.
As a player who has not missed many games since college, the injury has been challenging for Eason. His emotions have been similar to the injury-plagued year Jae'Sean Tate had last season, where an ongoing ankle injury limited him to 31 games.
In 22 games played, Eason established himself as a major part of Udoka's rotation, averaging 9.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals.
