Tari Eason had missed Houston’s previous 14 games with oblique and leg issues, but he was back in action on Sunday night in Sacramento.
#Rockets head coach Ime Udoka confirmed that Tari Eason will make his return tonight. The wing has been sidelined since Nov. 14 with oblique and shin injuries.
Eason will be ramped up, according to Udoka, and play about 15-20 minutes tonight in Sacramento.
— Sam Warren (@samwarren_3) December 22, 2025
Earlier this month, the Houston Rockets lost on the second night of back-to-backs in both Utah and Dallas. Each was an upset.
But both of those losses came without reserve forward Tari Eason, who was sidelined after suffering a right oblique strain on Nov. 14.
Fortunately, for Sunday’s game in Sacramento, Eason was back in action against the Kings (6-22). The fourth-year forward, perhaps known best for his energy, had missed Houston’s previous 14 games.
Eason, 24, is averaging 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game this season. The 6-foot-8 forward is shooting a career-best 50.9% from 3-point range, and he’s a very valuable and versatile defender, as well.
Eason’s oblique strain healed about a week ago, according to the Rockets, but he encountered soreness in his lower left leg during the ramp-up process. Eason had surgery on that leg in March 2024, so both sides (team and player) were understandably cautious in recent days.
But according to head coach Ime Udoka, Eason felt much better after his latest workout, so it appears the time is right for a return to game action.
Houston (17-8) enters Sunday’s game coming off Saturday’s statement win at Denver. Because it was an extremely intense game on the front end of a road back-to-back, having Eason as reinforcement for night two was a welcome development.
After the extended layoff, Eason will initially be limited to 15 to 20 minutes per game, per Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle.