Jabari Smith Jr. has been out since Jan. 3 with a broken hand. The Rockets sorely missed his rebounding and versatility but now face a starting lineup decision.

After missing Houston’s last 22 games with a left hand fracture, Jabari Smith Jr. is cleared to return when the Rockets host Minnesota on Friday.

After a 22-game absence, forward Jabari Smith Jr. should be back on the court with the Houston Rockets on Friday night, said Ime Udoka, the NBA team’s coach, on Thursday.

The Houston Rockets are getting excited over the long-awaited return of Jabari Smith Jr. back to the lineup. The former No. 3 overall pick from the 2022 NBA Dra

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to return to the lineup Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach Ime Udoka announced, per team reporter Vanessa Richardson.Smith won't have a minutes restriction but it's unclear if he'll start the game.

Since January 3, Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. has been out with a fractured hand. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Smith Jr. is targeting a return for February 21. Houston’s first game back after the all-star break.

With Jabari Smith Jr. on the verge of a return, the Rockets can likely start only two players out of Smith, Dillon Brooks, and Amen Thompson.

In 20 games without Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets have been a below-average defensive team and one of the NBA’s worst at defensive rebounding.

The Rockets aren't desperate at fifth place in the Western Conference, but Jabari Smith Jr.'s imminent return should be a good boost.

Smith, the third-year forward from Auburn, is targeting Houston's Feb. 21 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves for his return from a fractured hand, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes. Smith has not played since Jan. 3 after breaking his hand during a Houston practice.

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (fractured hand) — who’s been out since Jan. 3 — targeting return of Feb. 21 vs. Timberwolves. His agent Wallace Prather comments on