Rockets Hopeful For Tari Eason’s Return

BusinessSportsMoneyRockets Hopeful For Tari Eason’s ReturnByRahat Huq,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Rahat Huq writes generally about the Houston Rockets.Follow AuthorDec 14, 2025, 10:02pm ESTHOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 20: Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Rockets hope to welcome super sub Tari Eason back into the lineup on Monday night when they face the second seeded Denver Nuggets. Eason originally strained his right oblique back on November 14. At the time, Eason was given a four-to-six week timetable to return. Head coach Ime Udoka said he was "hopeful" that Eason would be cleared to return.Before his injury, through eleven games, Eason had been off to one of the best starts of his career, averaging 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game. He's shooting 49% from the field and a scorching hot 50.9% from long distance. Eason had been coming off the bench for Udoka but sometimes closing games.Houston, 16-6, has thus far weathered the storm of Eason's injury.

The team is still waiting for the return of free agent acquisition Dorian Finney-Smith; Finney-Smith has yet to appear in a game for the Rockets thus far this season. Free agent acquisition Josh Okogie has picked up much of the slack, even stepping into the starting lineup.Eason will hit restricted free agency this summer after he and the Rockets failed to come to terms on a rookie scale extension prior to the deadline. Per reports, Houston had offered Eason a long term contract worth more than $100 million dollars but the two sides could not settle differences on other fronts. Ultimately, Eason chose to bet on himself and play the season out.The Rockets no doubt hope to see Eason remain healthy for a full season before committing to a long term guaranteed contract. To that end, his current injury cannot help matters much. Eason will look to pick up where he left off in terms of production prior to the injury.MORE FOR YOUWith the imminent returns of both Eason and Finney-Smith, the Rockets will be looking at a glut of depth at the wings. Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Jabari Smith Jr. are entrenched as the starters and point guard Reed Sheppard has also cracked into the rotation, commanding minutes where a wing could have seen time. Whether general manager Rafael Stone makes a trade will be a relevant storyline to watch heading towards the trade deadline.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video