X

Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Suffers Fractured Hand, Out 4-to-8 Weeks with Injury

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 3, 2025

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets shoots a three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Toyota Center on December 27, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. will miss four-to-eight weeks after suffering a fractured left hand during his team's Friday shootaround.

Houston head coach Ime Udoka revealed the news to assembled media Friday, per Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston.

Ari Alexander @AriA1exander

Udoka specified: left hand, metacarpal

The 21-year-old Smith is in his third NBA season after the Rockets selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Auburn. He's averaged 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while starting every game for the 22-11 Rockets, who sit third in the Western Conference.

Udoka added that Smith will undergo surgery (h/t Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle). The surgery date is to-be-determined until Houston confirms the injury's severity following a second opinion.

Amen Thompson will take Smith's spot in the starting lineup in the meantime, per Udoka (h/t Adam Spolane of SportsRadio 610).

The Rockets host the Boston Celtics Friday, but Thompson still needs to sit the second matchup of his two-game suspension levied following his role in a skirmish with the Miami Heat last Sunday. Udoka did not reveal who will start for Smith against the C's.

This is a tough blow for a young and surging Rockets team that's taken a big leap from last year, when Houston went 41-41 and finished 11th in the Western Conference.

Kelly Iko of The Athletic provided more insight.

Kelly Iko @KellyIko

Losing Jabari Smith Jr. for an extended stretch is killer for Houston — advanced stats paint a different picture re: impact, but Smith's rebounding, two-way versatility and floor spacing all been critical to their success. Not really a plug-and-play replacement, either.

Hopefully Smith is back on the sooner end of the four-to-eight week timeline as the Rockets look to continue their great season.