30Breakdown
Performance
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March 4, 2026
Questionable for Thursday
Smith is questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors with a right ankle sprain.
Analysis
It appeared initially that Smith was in the clear for Thursday, but now it looks like the Rockets want him to test out the injury during pregame warmups before giving him the green light. If Smith is able to return from a two-game absence, Reed Sheppard would likely revert to a bench role.
March 4, 2026
Will play Thursday
Smith (ankle) will play Thursday against the Warriors, according to Rockets reporter Will Funkel.
Analysis
Smith is set to return from his ankle issue after two games on the sidelines. Amen Thompson (ankle) is also good to go for Houston. With this news, Reed Sheppard is likely to retreat to the bench.
February 28, 2026
Targeting March 5
Smith (ankle) is targeting a return March 5 against Golden State, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis
Smith will miss Saturday's game against the Heat and Monday's game versus the Wizards. This will give the forward some extra rest on the road. Reed Sheppard will start in Smith's place for at least Saturday's game.
February 27, 2026
Ruled out with ankle sprain
Smith is out for Saturday's game against the Heat with a right ankle sprain.
Analysis
Smith rolled his ankle during Thursday's tilt against Orlando, and he'll need at least one game on the sidelines. The star big man can be deemed day-to-day ahead of Monday's clash versus the Wizards. Reed Sheppard is the most likely choice to replace Smith in the starting lineup and appears to be a strong fantasy option in all leagues Saturday.
February 27, 2026
Doesn't return Thursday
Smith did not return to Thursday's game against the Magic due to a right ankle injury. He finished with 13 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 29 minutes in a 113-108 win.
Analysis
Smith was taken out at the 1:42 mark of the fourth quarter after he rolled his ankle when he stepped on Alperen Sengun's foot. Smith will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury, but it puts him in jeopardy of missing Saturday's game against the Heat, which would be his first absence since Nov. 3. Josh Okogie, Reed Sheppard and Dorian Finney-Smith figure to be the top candidates to enter the Rockets' starting lineup if Smith were to miss time.
February 27, 2026
Tweaks right ankle
Smith went to the locker room at the 1:42 mark of the fourth quarter in Thursday's game against the Magic due to a right ankle injury, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis
Smith appeared to roll his right ankle when he stepped on Alperen Sengun's foot while on defense, and the former was accompanied by medical staff to the locker room. Assuming his night is done, Smith will finish with 13 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 29 minutes. Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard should see more minutes down the stretch.