The Houston Rockets got a bit of good news on the injury front this week - and then some not-so-good news right behind it. Forward Tari Eason’s oblique strain, which had sidelined him for an extended stretch, is officially in the rearview mirror. But just as he was ramping up for a return, another issue popped up - and it’s one the Rockets are all too familiar with.
According to head coach Ime Udoka, Eason began experiencing soreness in his left shin during his ramp-up process. That’s the same shin that’s given him trouble in the past, and it’s enough of a red flag that the Rockets are hitting the brakes again.
“The oblique is healed - the oblique is feeling good,” Udoka said Thursday. “During the ramp-up process, he had some soreness with his shin, so we want to be 100 percent with that... and be sure with that.”
That kind of caution makes sense. Eason has already missed 13 games this season, and he’s no stranger to extended absences.
Over each of the last two seasons, he’s been sidelined for 20 or more games, largely due to issues with that same left shin. So while there’s optimism that he could return “hopefully in the next few games,” as Udoka put it, the team isn’t taking any chances - especially not with a player who brings as much to the table as Eason does.
And make no mistake: Eason’s impact has been missed. In the 2025-26 season, the 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in just over 23 minutes per game.
He’s shooting a blistering 50.9% from beyond the arc - a career high - and his defensive versatility has become a key piece of what the Rockets are building. Whether it’s switching onto wings, battling in the post, or flying out to contest shots on the perimeter, Eason gives Houston an edge that’s been noticeably absent in December.
The numbers back that up. The Rockets, who started the season strong, have gone just 3-4 this month without Eason in the lineup. Their defense - once among the stingiest in the league - has taken a step back, and his absence is a big reason why.
Now officially listed as out due to “left lower leg injury management,” Eason will miss at least one more game - Saturday’s showdown in Denver. That game carries a little extra weight. The Rockets dropped a frustrating, controversial contest to the Nuggets earlier this week, and they’re 0-2 against Denver this season - both losses coming without Eason on the floor.
Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m. Central, with regional coverage on Space City Home Network and national access via NBA League Pass. The Nuggets come in with a 20-6 record, while the Rockets sit at 16-8 - and looking to bounce back.
For Houston, getting Eason back at full strength could be a turning point. But given his history, the team is right to play the long game. They’ll need him for the stretch run - not just for one game in December.