Updated Dec. 24, 2025, 8:03 p.m. CT
The Houston Rockets (17-10) have limped to a 4-6 record in December, and subpar defense has been the leading reason.
But on Wednesday’s injury report in advance of Thursday’s Christmas showdown versus the Lakers (19-9), the Rockets got a bit of very welcome news.
Veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed with the Rockets in July but has missed the first 27 games of the 2025-26 regular season due to offseason ankle surgery, is listed as questionable to play in Los Angeles.
A versatile 6-foot-7 forward with a reputation for strong defense, Finney-Smith averaged 8.7 points (41.1% on 3-pointers) and 3.9 rebounds in 28.9 minutes per game last season. Now 32 years old, he played most of 2024-25 with the Lakers.
Even if Finney-Smith doesn’t play in Thursday’s matchup versus his former team, the status upgrade makes it clear that barring a setback, his return should be coming in the near future.
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Initially, there will likely he a minutes limitation, since Finney-Smith hasn’t played in an NBA game since April. But any help will be useful for a Houston squad that has struggled defensively in recent weeks.
Alperen Sengun (left calf tightness) and Jae’Sean Tate (left wrist contusion) are also listed as questionable for Thursday’s game, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. Central. It will be televised to a national audience on ABC and ESPN.
More: By the numbers: Defensive regression causing Rockets’ December swoon