The Houston Rockets will likely start their 2025-26 season without one of their key new players, Dorian Finney-Smith. The forward is currently recovering from an ankle operation he had during the offseason and is not expected to be ready for the team’s first game.
This is an early challenge for the Rockets, who had looked forward to adding Finney-Smith to their lineup. His absence means the team will need to adjust its plans as they begin the new season.
🤕 Coach’s Update on Injury Status
Rockets coach Ime Udoka confirmed that Finney-Smith will probably not play in the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 21. When asked about his availability, Udoka simply stated, “No, probably not.” He did not provide a specific timeline for when Finney-Smith might make his debut for the team, leaving his return date uncertain for now.
🩺 Details of the Surgery and Recovery
Finney-Smith underwent a procedure on his left ankle back in June. The surgery was intended to fix a persistent issue that had been bothering him. This injury was a concern during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. His recovery from this operation is the reason for the delay in his start with the Rockets.
🚀 A New Chapter in Houston
Finney-Smith is a significant new addition for the Rockets, having joined the team in the offseason with a four-year contract valued at nearly $53 million. Fans and the team are eager to see him on the court, but they will have to wait a bit longer while he completes his recovery and gets back to full health.
