Houston Rockets Injury Report: Who's in and who's out for Nuggets faceoff

Houston Rockets head into Saturday night’s road matchup against the Denver Nuggets facing a challenging situation on the injury front. As the Rockets prepare for a Western Conference showdown at Ball Arena, their rotation will once again be tested with multiple contributors ruled out.

Houston enters the contest looking to respond after a tough overtime loss on the road, but injuries have limited the team’s flexibility as they prepare to take on one of the league’s strongest home teams.

Tari Eason remains sidelined

The most notable absence for Houston continues to be forward Tari Eason. The Rockets have officially ruled Eason out as he remains sidelined with an oblique injury. He has not played since suffering the injury on November 14 against the Portland Trail Blazers, and his absence has been felt on both ends of the floor.

Eason’s defensive versatility and rebounding presence are key components of Houston Rockets’ rotation, particularly against physical opponents like Denver. Without him, the Rockets have had to adjust their frontcourt depth and defensive matchups.

Josh Okogie’s role continues to grow

With Eason unavailable, Josh Okogie is expected to continue seeing increased minutes off the bench. Okogie has stepped into a larger role by providing energy, perimeter defense, and transition scoring, helping stabilize Houston’s second unit.

While Okogie’s responsibilities have expanded, the Rockets remain cautious about overextending their rotation as they navigate a demanding stretch of the schedule.

Finney-Smith and VanVleet also ruled out

Houston will also be without Dorian Finney-Smith and Fred VanVleet, both of whom remain sidelined while recovering from their respective injuries. Their continued absence significantly impacts the Rockets’ depth and leadership, particularly in late-game situations.

VanVleet’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in ball-handling and floor organization, while Finney-Smith’s unavailability affects Houston Rockets’ defensive flexibility on the wing. Together, the pair’s injuries force the Rockets to rely more heavily on their remaining starters and bench contributors.

Matchup context against Denver

Saturday’s contest presents a difficult challenge, as Denver remains strong at home despite dealing with injuries of its own. The Nuggets have managed to maintain consistency behind their core players, making execution and discipline critical for Houston.