Rockets Hold Out Tari Eason as Shin Soreness Delays Return

Overview

• Eason’s right oblique strain has been cleared, but left-shin soreness resurfaced during his ramp-up, according to coach Ime Udoka.
• The Rockets list him as out for “left lower leg injury management,” and he will miss Saturday’s game at Denver for a 14th straight absence.
• Udoka said a return is hoped for in the next few games, though the team has not set a firm timetable.
• Houston is 3-4 in December without Eason and 0-2 against the Nuggets in games he has missed this season.
• The 24-year-old is averaging 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds on 50.9% 3-point shooting, but recurring shin issues that cost him 20+ games in each of the past two seasons, stalled extension talks over guarantees, and fresh trade speculation are shaping his outlook.