When could we see Jabari Smith Jr. back for the Rockets?

There’s been an injury update for Jabari Smith Jr.

Houston Rocket’s forward Jabari Smith Jr. injuried his left hand in a shootaround on Friday. According to coach Ime Udoka, Jabari fractured a metacarpal in that hand and is expected to be out for four to eight weeks.

However, today Adam Spolane reported that Houston and Jabari are looking at avoiding surgery if at all possible.

This is fantastic news as, no surgery means Jabari would likely return sooner to the four-week mark as opposed to the eight-week mark. Essentially, the big difference between the two timetables is that if Jabari is out for four weeks, his return would be before the All-Star break, before All-Start weekend (Fri, Feb 14, 2025 – Sun, Feb 16, 2025). Compare that to the eight-week absence which would have Jabari returning well after the All-Star break.

Jabari’s importance to this team can’t be understated, especially with no timetable for Tari Easons’ return. Additionally, in the next month, Houston is set to play 16 games, with 12 of those being on the road.

Additionally, 11 of the games are against teams above .500 that are in the playoff picture. The only teams not above .500, or in the playoff picture are the Washington Wizards (Tuesday night), Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trailblazers, and Sacramento Kings. However, if you remember, Houston has already lost to both Sacramento and Portland this season.

Then if we assume Jabari is out for eight weeks, the soonest he would return is March 3 versus the Thunder. Before that game, Houston’s schedule does get a bit easier as they would face Golden State, San Antonio, Sacramento, Dallas, Phoenix, Toronto, Utah, Minnesota, and Milwaukee before facing Oklahoma City. However, unlike the previous stretch of games, Houston will be at Toyota Center for the majority of the games (seven out of the 10 contests).

With all that said, I think I speak for all Rockets fans when I wish for Jabari to get well and return to the court soon!