Rockets Eye Bounce-Back Win vs. Lakers, Could Get Boost from Finney-Smith Return
The Houston Rockets head into their Christmas night showdown against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers looking to stop the bleeding after back-to-back losses. A pair of frustrating defeats to the Kings and Clippers has dropped Houston to 17-10 on the season-a solid record, but one that suddenly feels a bit shaky given how well they started the year.
Now, as they prepare for a prime-time matchup in Los Angeles, the Rockets may finally be getting some reinforcements.
Dorian Finney-Smith, who’s yet to suit up this season after undergoing left ankle surgery in the offseason, has been upgraded to questionable on the latest injury report. That’s a notable shift for a player who’s been sidelined since signing with Houston in free agency-and it comes just in time for a potential return against his former team.
Finney-Smith might not be a headline-grabber, but his value is clear. He brings veteran savvy, defensive versatility, and the kind of three-and-D wing skill set that fits perfectly in today’s NBA.
If he’s able to go-even in limited minutes-he could slot in alongside Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason to give Houston another switchable, floor-spacing forward. That’s a big deal for a team that’s looking to tighten things up on both ends after a couple of uncharacteristically leaky performances.
Of course, there’s no guarantee Finney-Smith will be at full speed right away. Rust is real, and it may take a few games for him to find his rhythm. But even a partial version of DFS could help stabilize a rotation that’s been stretched thin.
The Rockets are also waiting on the status of Alperen Sengun, who’s listed as questionable with left calf tightness. Sengun has been the engine of Houston’s offense this season, and his availability could swing the complexion of the game. Without him, the Rockets would need to lean more heavily on their perimeter creators and hope for a big night from their supporting cast.
On the other side, the Lakers have their own injury question mark. Luka Doncic is officially listed as questionable, though earlier reports suggest he’s expected to play. If that holds true, it sets the stage for a marquee Christmas night clash featuring some of the league’s brightest young stars and one of its most iconic veterans in LeBron.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from Los Angeles. For the Rockets, it’s not just another regular season game-it’s a chance to get back on track, potentially welcome a key piece back into the fold, and show they can hang with one of the West’s most experienced teams under the bright lights.