Rockets forward Finney-Smith unlikely for season opener after ankle surgery
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HOUSTON — Dorian Finney-Smith is not expected to be available when the Houston Rockets begin the regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 21, head coach Ime Udoka said Wednesday.
Udoka told reporters following the team’s training camp session that the forward is still recovering from offseason surgery on his left ankle and has yet to be cleared for contact work. “No, probably not,” Udoka replied when asked whether Finney-Smith would be ready for opening night. The coach did not offer a timeline for the 31-year-old’s Rockets debut.
Finney-Smith signed a four-year deal worth nearly $53 million with Houston during the summer. He underwent the ankle procedure in June after appearing last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. While the nine-year veteran has been able to take part in shooting drills and other non-contact activities, Udoka noted that medical staff continues to limit his workload to rehabilitation and light on-court work.
Finney-Smith averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in 2024-25 and owns career marks of 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds across stops with Dallas, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles.
Source: ESPN
