Overview

• Coach Ime Udoka said the forward is cleared for limited on-court work with no contact and is “probably not” ready for Oct. 21.
• Finney-Smith had left-ankle surgery in June to fix a two-year issue he aggravated by playing through it.
• With Fred VanVleet out indefinitely after an ACL tear, the Rockets could start the year down two key perimeter pieces.
• The absence opens minutes for Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, with depth options Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate in the mix.
• Houston signed Finney-Smith for his 41.1% three-point shooting last season, raising concern about early spacing until he returns.