Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason will miss four to six weeks after suffering a strained oblique, NBA insider Michael Scotto reported Saturday. Coach Ime Udoka confirmed the injury following practice, leaving a gap in a Rockets lineup that currently sits at 8–3.
Eason, 24, is averaging 11.5 points per game while shooting a career-high 49.5% from the field and 50.9% from three in 11 contests. His development has been a key factor for Houston as the team balances veteran stars like Kevin Durant with young talent.
The forward is set to be a restricted free agent in 2026, and his absence comes at a critical stretch in the season for the Rockets. Udoka will need to adjust rotations and minutes for players such as Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson to maintain offensive efficiency.
Houston has a balanced roster, with Durant averaging 25.1 points per game, Sengun contributing 22.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, and Smith Jr. adding 14.9 points. Still, Eason’s ability to stretch defenses and contribute defensively with 1.6 steals per game cannot be underestimated.
The team now faces a four-to-six-week window without one of its most efficient shooters. Udoka is expected to lean on players such as Josh Okogie, Steven Adams, and Reed Sheppard to fill the gap while maintaining the Rockets’ pace and defensive intensity.
