Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith is expected to miss several games at the start of the 2025–26 season as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, the Houston Chronicle reported. This absence adds to Houston’s early-season depth concerns after point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL during preseason training camp.
Finney-Smith, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Rockets on July 7, has been a key wing contributor throughout his career. In 2024–25, he averaged 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29.0 minutes per game while shooting 43.5% from three-point range for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka noted the team will manage workloads carefully, citing that center Steven Adams and forward Tari Eason were also handled cautiously during last season to avoid overuse following surgeries. Neither Adams nor Eason played in back-to-back games while recovering, and similar precautions could extend to early matchups this season.
Houston’s first back-to-back set of the regular season is not until December 5–6, giving the coaching staff time to integrate returning players gradually. Udoka emphasized that maintaining player health early in the season will be a priority given recent injuries to key roster members.
The Rockets enter 2025–26 coming off a major offseason, acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade. The team traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple draft picks to bring the Hall of Famer to Houston. With the addition of Durant, Houston’s frontline is expected to anchor the team while integrating other pieces like Finney-Smith.
Finney-Smith’s career has spanned nine seasons, including stops with Dallas, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles before joining Houston. Known for his defensive intensity and three-point shooting, he has averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds over 591 career games.
