Rockets Put January Target on Dorian Finney-Smith’s Return as Rehab Ramps Up

Houston is targeting a January return for the veteran pending how his ankle responds to increased live work.

Overview

Coach Ime Udoka said Dorian Finney-Smith has moved into non-contact and limited live work, with his ankle’s response guiding the next steps.
Udoka added the team is anticipating a return around January if the ramp-up goes smoothly.
Tari Eason, out with a right oblique strain, is trending toward the six-week timetable and is expected back before the New Year.
Houston has sustained strong perimeter numbers without Finney-Smith, ranking second in three-point percentage through 18 games, but a 10-of-34 night from deep in a 133-125 loss to Utah showed the risk of cold shooting.
Sporting News argues the Rockets’ league-leading 16.6 offensive rebounds per game may be unsustainable, heightening the need for consistent spacing from Finney-Smith, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal after declining a $15.4 million option.