The Houston Rockets played the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night in the first game of a back-to-back. They return to action on Thursday to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Tari Eason, who is averaging 12.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals entering the match-up with the Spurs, was available to suit up in Wednesday’s game and was even given the starting nod.
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Eason has been nursing a right ankle injury, which forced him to miss five straight contests from Jan. 11 to Jan. 18. He sat out the Rockets’ meeting with the Detroit Pistons last Friday due to injury management, as it was the second of a back-to-back. The 24-year-old forward returned on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) covers his face while sitting on the bench.© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
(© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images)
While Eason is getting healthier, however, the Rockets are still being cautious with his condition. After all, prior to his recent ankle injury, he missed 14 straight games earlier in the season due to an oblique strain.
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That is why the Rockets have opted to sideline Eason against the Hawks. Head coach Ime Udoka announced the decision during his presser before the Spurs game, per Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle.
Dorian Finney-Smith won’t play against the Hawks as well.
The Rockets’ move comes amid the loss of center Steven Adams. The big man underwent season-ending surgery on his left ankle.
It’s worth noting that the Rockets have also been playing without starting guard Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL last September, ahead of the 2025-26 season.
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That being said, it’s not surprising that the Rockets are being extra careful to ensure they don’t lose any more players.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.