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What happened to Jabari Smith Jr.? Live injury updates for Rockets vs. Magic on Thursday 2/26/26

What happened to Jabari Smith Jr.? Live injury updates for Rockets vs. Magic on Thursday 2/26/26

Houston Rockets NBA

Updated:

By: Stan Son

With 1:42 left in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game against the Miami Heat, Jabari Smith Jr. was replaced by Tari Eason. Smith suffered a non-contact injury and eventually made his way to the locker room.

https://twitter.com/ByVarunShankar/status/2027215830719545721?s=20

Prior to exiting, Smith contributed 13 points, a rebound and an assist in 29 minutes of action.

If he’s out for an extended period of time, Ime Udoka could go small with Reed Sheppard getting more playing time, or insert Dorian Finney-Smith into the starting lineup, although DFS has not been playing well. Josh Okogie is another option if Udoka wants more defense on the court. The likely scenario is Sheppard getting more playing time because his outside shooting may be needed.

Stan Son
Stan joined DraftKings in December of 2020. It was a glorious time, except for that whole COVID thing, when we got Madden streams and boisterous bat flips from the KBO. I was brought on board to bring some West Coast flavor. I especially love hoops, and most of my content is in that arena. When I walk along the beach, strumming my guitar, the beat that I hear is not one of crashing waves. No, it is the beat of the ball bouncing off the hardwood with highs provided by the squeaks of the sneakers. Ball is life.
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