Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. hopeful to play in season opener
After recently missing time due to a sprained left ankle, the Houston Rockets are hopeful that rookie Jabari Smith Jr. can play in the regular season opener against the Atlanta Hawks.
Smith sustained the injury on the final play of practice on Oct. 5 after stepping on the foot of center Bruno Fernando. It wasn’t initially thought to be a serious injury, but the team opted to hold him out of action as a precautionary measure.
The third pick returned to practice this week and can do everything in team drills, he said. The Rockets held him out of their final three preseason games but are optimistic he will be ready to play on Wednesday, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
Jabari Smith Jr., Daishen Nix, Jae'Sean Tate and Garrison Mathews all out for the Rockets in Indianapolis. Stephen Silas does not expect them to practice on Sunday but hopeful they'll be available to play on Wednesday in Atlanta.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 14, 2022
The injury comes after Smith dazzled in his preseason debut on Oct. 2, recording 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists in a win over the San Antonio Spurs. He went 8-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in 24 minutes of work.
After only logging one preseason appearance, the team will likely ease Smith back into action once he is cleared to play. He projects to play a large role with the team so they will certainly take a cautious approach with his rehab ahead of the season.
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