Josh

Okogie

Eason played through the illness on Thursday against the 76ers, but he could be held out for the second leg of Houston’s back-to-back set. If Eason is ultimately sidelined, Josh Okogie and Jae’Sean Tate could earn some additional run.

The need to account for Philadelphia’s perimeter trio of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Paul George likely factored into Rockets’ head coach Ime Udoka’s decision to change Houston’s lineup, especially after the 76ers lost Joel Embiid (appendectomy). Okogie gives the first five another versatile defender, pushing Reed Sheppard to the bench.

Added to the Rockets’ injury report early Thursday afternoon, Eason is officially available to play. He’ll take on his usual role off the bench, which means that Josh Okogie and Jae’Sean Tate’s minutes are unlikely to increase.

Eason was not on the initial injury report released by the Rockets. If he’s unable to play, fellow reserves Josh Okogie and Jae’Sean Tate could see their playing time increase. They logged a combined 19 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Suns, with Okogie playing 12.

DFS still isn’t playing back-to-backs, so after suiting up on Tuesday, he will sit for this game. Josh Okogie should take on extra minutes off the bench with DFS sidelined.

Smith Jr. logged 42 minutes in Thursday’s OT loss to the Warriors, and the Rockets may give him the night off for the second leg of a back-to-back set as he continues to recover from a right ankle sprain. If JSJ is unable to go, Tari Eason and Josh Okogie could see additional run.

Finney-Smith was due to take an injury management night for one of Houston’s next two games since the team is playing a back-to-back. He’ll sit on Thursday, which likely means more playing time for Josh Okogie. There’s no need to consider adding Okogie in fantasy leagues.

Smith rolled his right ankle late in Thursday’s win over the Magic and limped back to the locker room immediately. His absence on Saturday opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie being potential replacements. Sheppard, who’s worth rostering in fantasy leagues in his current reserve role, offers a higher ceiling.

Finney-Smith’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, but it does free up minutes for some of Houston’s other reserves. Josh Okogie and Aaron Holiday should play more against the Kings, but neither is worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.

Eason is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Clippers for left lower leg injury management reasons. If the 24-year-old small forward is ultimately ruled out, Josh Okogie would likely move into the starting lineup.