Houston has been winning since Smith's return, getting major help in the defensive and rebounding departments.

Amid the Houston Rockets’ 48-point first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend, the return of Jabari Smith Jr. — and more importantly, Ime Udoka’s utilization of the third-year big — was a reminder of his value.

It doesn’t matter about when you start,” Jabari Smith Jr. tells Rockets Wire of his mindset. “It matters what you do when you get in the game.”

Jabari Smith Jr. waited several weeks recovering from a hand injury that removed his services from the Houston Rockets' lineup. His return game featured Smith J

Jabari Smith Jr. has been out since Jan. 3 with a broken hand. The Rockets sorely missed his rebounding and versatility but now face a starting lineup decision.

Danielle Lerner: Jabari Smith Jr. will come off the bench tonight for the Rockets. Tari Eason will start instead of FVV. Udoka said it’s to ease Smith back in and take advantage of having Eason in first half of a b2b. Jabari said yesterday that he’d accept a bench role.

The Houston Rockets got a much-needed win against a Western Conference foe in the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night thanks to an impactful night from forward

With Jabari Smith Jr. on the verge of a return, the Rockets can likely start only two players out of Smith, Dillon Brooks, and Amen Thompson.

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., who broke his left hand during a shootaround Jan. 3, returned with 15 points and nine rebounds in an overtime win over the Timberwolves.