Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. has sustained a fracture in his left hand, necessitating surgery that will sideline him for four to eight weeks. Coach Ime Udoka disclosed the injury prior to the Rockets' matchup against the Boston Celtics, revealing that Smith fractured a metacarpal during a morning shootaround.
Udoka explained that Smith experienced minimal contact during practice, but the pain escalated, prompting further examination. A second opinion is awaited before scheduling the surgery. Smith has been a key player for the Rockets, starting every game this season with averages of 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds.
In his absence, Amen Thompson is set to step in, although he is currently serving the final game of a two-game suspension for an altercation with Miami's Tyler Herro. Smith, a third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has averaged 13 points and 7.4 rebounds throughout his three-year career.
