In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets (34–20) are now in fourth place and will soon become even more formidable. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, forward Jabari Smith Jr. (fractured hand), who hasn’t played since January 3, hopes to return on February 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it is important to note that Jabari’s agent Wallace Prather said Jabari may wait until the end of the month to return.
Jabari Smith Jr. targeting a late February return for Rockets
The Rockets could really use Smith.
This season, Smith is playing 30.9 minutes per game, averaging 11.9 points on 43.5 percent shooting, 6.5 rebounds, and one assist. All 33 of the 21-year-old’s outings were starts. Despite dropping six of its previous seven games before last night’s win, Houston is still within striking distance of the best teams in the West. The Rockets are only 1.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets (35-19) and three behind the Memphis Grizzlies (36-17), but they are almost even with the Los Angeles Lakers (32-19). However, Houston needs Smith for defense and rebounding.
Hoston gave up 121 points per 100 possessions during the losing streak, which was the Rockets’ worst defensive run of the season. Schumann said that the Rockets had trouble forcing turnovers and securing the defensive glass, but their opponents shot rather well.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s absence for the last 20 games is the root of the rebounding problem. Although Amen Thompson has been excellent in Smith’s stead in the starting lineup, the Rockets have only managed to collect 67.7 percent of the available defensive rebounds when Smith is not on the court, as opposed to 74.4 percent when he is. Houston dropped from 11th to 28th in defensive rebounding percentage during Jabari’s absence, and Smith is third on the team in rebounds per game, it is not unexpected that Houston has struggled on the glass without him. He is 6’10”, so the team could potentially employ his length inside.
With all that said hopefully Jabari will be ready to suit up post All Star Break! What do ya’ll think?
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