Inside The Rockets

Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Out With Injury; What's Next?

The Houston Rockets must adjust with Jabari Smith Jr. out.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets won't have Jabari Smith Jr. in the lineup for the next month or two after the third-year pro fractured his hand in shootaround ahead of Friday's game against the Boston Celtics.

With Smith out, the Rockets started Jeff Green in his place against the Celtics, but that isn't expected to be the norm. Amen Thompson served the final game of his suspension, and he is expected to start in Smith's place against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

But Thompson isn't the only one expected to get a promotion after this development.

The Rockets should also have more responsibility on the table for Green, Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, Cam Whitmore and possibly even rookie Reed Sheppard.

Smith's ability to stretch the floor can't be replaced by just one player, so the Rockets will have to adjust with some new looks and lineups for the next 4-8 weeks.

Smith's absence will certainly be felt on both ends of the floor, and that could lead to the Rockets falling further in the standings.

The Rockets have been fortunate to not have to deal with any long-term injuries up until this point in the season, but this is now their first true test. We'll see if they have what it takes to pass it.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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