Jeff

Green

Initially announced to have suffered a hip injury during Friday’s win over the Trail Blazers, Eason has been diagnosed with a strained oblique. While Jeff Green could move into the rotation, it’s just as likely that Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard will absorb some of the minutes that would have gone to Eason. Jae’Sean Tate is another possibility, but he has not recorded double-digit minutes in any of his seven appearances this season.

Eason’s early exit could open the door for Jeff Green to return to the rotation, but it is more likely that Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie will just see a few extra minutes. The Rockets could also turn to more two-big lineups, which would result in more minutes for Steven Adams and Clint Capela.

Green will return to Houston for a third season on the veteran’s minimum. He appeared in 32 games last season, averaging 5.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.4 minutes. Green did not impact fantasy basketball last season, and that’s unlikely to change in 2025-26. However, he’ll continue to provide quality veteran leadership as the Rockets look to contend for a title.

Houston is doing everything in its power to get the band back together alongside new addition Kevin Durant. None of the trio of Tate, Holiday and Green hold much fantasy value, but they’ll provide solid minutes off the bench in Houston’s deep rotation.

Smith is set to miss a second straight game. The Rockets are limited at forward off the bench, so Jeff Green will likely be heavily utilized in Friday’s contest.

VanVleet and Brooks are set to miss their second straight meetings with the Clippers. Reed Sheppard and Jeff Green will likely be among the players called upon to notch spot starts against Los Angeles ahead of the weekend.

Smith’s potential absence is more impactful than Tate’s being unavailable, as he plays high minutes off the bench. Cam Whitmore and Jeff Green may have playing time available, but that would depend on Smith’s availability. If he cannot play, those two should figure more prominently in the Rockets’ plans on Friday.

To no one’s surprise, Uncle Jeff still has plenty left in the tank. Houston played Wednesday’s game without four starters, resulting in Green playing rotation minutes. He took advantage, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and scoring a season-high 19 points. This performance should not convince fantasy managers in active leagues to add Green ahead of Houston’s final two games of the regular season, but it was fun to watch him get going.

Four of Houston’s five starters are on the injury report for Monday’s game, with Jalen Green being the lone absentee. Since Fred VanVleet (ankle) is out, Thompson and Sengun will have additional playmaking responsibilities if available. Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green are two players who may be asked to do more if Thompson or Sengun cannot play against the Thunder. They have provided limited value when allowed to play extended minutes.

Both Eason and Adams sat out the second leg of Houston’s back-to-back on Saturday, but they’ll be back to play Milwaukee. Eason’s return will take away minutes from Jeff Green and Cam Whitmore. With Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Dillon Brooks (illness) both questionable, there is a path for Eason to start. With Adams back, Jock Landale will be pushed back out of the rotation.