Houston Rockets 'Not Sure' If Tari Eason, Jalen Green Will Be Available for Preseason Finale

Coach Ime Udoka announced following Thursday's practice that he was "not sure" if he would have everyone available against the Heat.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets will play their final preseason game Friday night against the Miami Heat. 

Coach Ime Udoka wants to use the final exhibition contest as one last dress rehearsal before Wednesday's season opener against the Orlando Magic. But Udoka's goal will depend on the health of Tari Eason and Jalen Green.

Udoka announced following Thursday's practice that he was "not sure" if he would have everyone available against the Heat. Both players were able to get a workout in during practice.

Due to their respective injuries, Eason and Green missed the Rockets' two-game preseason series against the San Antonio Spurs. Eason has been dealing with a leg contusion while a "toenail problem" sidelined Green. The Rockets went 1-1 against the Spurs.

Tari Eason and Jalen Green together during the Rockets home victory against the Denver Nuggets / Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"We will see how they feel [for tomorrow's game]," Udoka said. "It's a big game for us, as far as having everyone available and getting to what we want to do during the season. This one will be more realistic when it comes to lineups and game plans."

Before the injuries, Eason and Green played vital roles in the Rockets' 2-0 start to the preseason. 

Eason came off the bench as the Rockets' sixth man, averaging 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds. Green had averaged 11.5 points on 47.4 percent shooting from the field during the first two games.

Apart from Eason and Green, Udoka expects everyone to be back in the lineup against the Heat. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks missed Wednesday's 117-103 loss to the Spurs Wednesday night.

"[The final dress rehearsal] is very beneficial for us to play," Brooks said. "You get to see real-life action. Miami will present a different kind of challenge."