Updated Dec. 24, 2025, 8:03 p.m. CT<\/p>\n
The Houston Rockets<\/a> (17-10) have limped to a 4-6 record in December, and subpar defense has been the leading reason<\/a>.<\/p>\n But on Wednesday\u2019s injury report<\/a> in advance of Thursday\u2019s Christmas showdown versus the Lakers (19-9), the Rockets got a bit of very welcome news.<\/p>\n Veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed with the Rockets in July<\/a> but has missed the first 27 games of the 2025-26 regular season due to offseason ankle surgery<\/a>, is listed as questionable to play in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0Now 32 years old, he played most of 2024-25 with the Lakers.<\/p>\n Even if Finney-Smith doesn\u2019t play in Thursday\u2019s matchup versus his former team, the status upgrade makes it clear that barring a setback, his return should be coming in the near future.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Initially, there will likely he a minutes limitation, since Finney-Smith hasn\u2019t played in an NBA game since April. But any help will be useful for a Houston squad that has struggled defensively<\/a> in recent weeks.<\/p>\n Alperen Sengun (left calf tightness) and Jae\u2019Sean Tate (left wrist contusion) are also listed as questionable for Thursday\u2019s game, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. Central. It will be televised to a national audience on ABC and ESPN.<\/p>\n