Jabari Smith broke his hand in practice and has not played a game since Jan. 1. A few weeks later, Fred VanVleet would go down with an injured ankle. The Rockets have also had to deal with Steven Adams and Tari Eason being unable to play back-to-back games.

The Rockets were without Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Steven Adams on Sunday, and Ime Udoka offered a series of health updates.

Houston has slipped down the NBA standings while dealing with injuries to Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.

With Jabari Smith Jr. on the verge of a return, the Rockets can likely start only two players out of Smith, Dillon Brooks, and Amen Thompson.