Rockets face challenging start to season with injuries to key players
The Houston Rockets entered the offseason with lofty championship aspirations, bolstered by the acquisition of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. However, as they gear up for Opening Night, the team is grappling with significant injury setbacks that will hinder their efforts.
Injury concerns for VanVleet and Finney-Smith
Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet is facing a daunting challenge after suffering a torn ACL in late September, putting his entire season in jeopardy. Meanwhile, forward Dorian Finney-Smith is also expected to miss the beginning of the regular season due to a persistent left ankle injury, as reported by Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. Finney-Smith underwent surgery on his left ankle in mid-June, shortly after he declined his $15.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. In a bid for a fresh start, he signed a four-year, $52.7 million deal with the Rockets during free agency.
Udoka provides an update on Finney-Smith
As training camp unfolds, Finney-Smith has yet to be cleared for contact drills. Head coach Ime Udoka expressed uncertainty about how many games the 32-year-old will miss but noted that he has been participating in individual shooting drills during practice. “No contact, but doing all the shooting and other things with treatment as well during practice,” Udoka remarked, highlighting Finney-Smith’s commitment to his recovery.
When healthy, Finney-Smith is expected to inject energy into Houston’s lineup, providing depth behind both Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. Last season, he showcased his shooting prowess, hitting a career-high 41.1 percent from beyond the arc on 5.0 attempts per game. Additionally, he averaged 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 28.9 minutes across 63 games split between the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.
Adjustments to the roster
With both VanVleet and Finney-Smith likely sidelined at the start of the season, the Rockets will need to rely on the likes of Tari Eason and Jae’Sean Tate to step up and absorb additional minutes. The status of Finney-Smith will be closely monitored as the team approaches their season opener on October 21, where they will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
As the Rockets navigate these early hurdles, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how they adapt and prepare for the challenges ahead in their quest for a championship.
