Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams on injury report against Nuggets

ByNBAUSA



The Houston Rockets head into one of their biggest tests of the season Friday night when they face the high-stakes Denver Nuggets NBA Cup match of the season at the tournament in Houston. But they may be facing significant health issues entering the competition with both Jabari Smith Jr. and Steven Adams appears on the latest injury report.

Smith Jr., who played the lead role of Houston’s early season success, is listed as questionable with right knee tendinopathy. The third-year forward filled a key role as a versatile scorer and defender, averaging 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

His two-way ability and length on defense could be especially important against a Denver team powered by reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 29.1 points, 13.2 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game.

Meanwhile, center Steven Adams is listed as questionable with right ankle tendinopathy. The Rockets relied heavily on Alpern Shenghun to anchor the front field. Sengun has been on a tear, averaging 28.0 points over his last 10 games as the Rockets have gone 9-1 in that stretch.

Houston will already be without Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle surgery), Terry Eason (oblique deformity) and Fred VanVleet (ACL repair), making the status of Smith and Adams even more critical.

If both are not available, expect increased minutes for Kevin Durantwho is averaging 25.5 points this season.

The matchup is a battle near the top of the Western Conference standings, with the Rockets coming in at 10-3, just behind the Nuggets at 11-3. Denver will also be short with Christian Brown out and Aaron Gordon likely with a bilateral hamstring problem.

Since both teams have been playing elite basketball lately, availability Smith and Adams could be the deciding factor in the crucial clash of the NBA Cup.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM EST from the Toyota Center.





2025-11-21 15:24:00

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