Rockets Jae'Sean Tate Set To Return To Lineup vs. Jazz

Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate will return to the lineup Thursday night following a 35-game absence due to an ankle injury.

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate will return to the lineup Thursday night against the Utah Jazz. 

Tate missed the previous 35 games due to an ankle injury he sustained during preseason. And according to coach Stephen Silas, Tate will be on a minutes restriction upon his return. 

"It is great to have him back," Silas said. "He brings so much as far as his energy, voice, defense and leadership. There are so many things that he brings to our group."

Tate's return comes two days after he took part in a four-on-four team scrimmage following practice Tuesday afternoon. The scrimmage marked the final step in his recovery process that required him to take part in on-court workouts that demanded him to run and dunk.

He said on Dec. 17 that his top priority outside of getting healthy was to regain his strength and conditioning.

Tate played in three games after making his season debut against the Jazz on Oct. 26. But following the Rockets' road loss to the Phoenix Suns four days later, the veteran forward realized he was not ready. 

Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. were happy to see Tate back on the court and competing for the first time since late October.

"Anytime we get a chance to have our brother back, it's great," Eason said. "He is another defensive anchor who is going to make my job easier for me and the rest of us when he gets back."

Smith added: "He has been working for so long to get back. He has had his voice around. But now, it is good to see him get back on the court."

After joining the Rockets as an undrafted rookie in 2020, Tate has averaged 11.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 151 career games.

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