Jeff

Green

Smith is set to miss a second straight game. The Rockets are limited at forward off the bench, so Jeff Green will likely be heavily utilized in Friday’s contest.

VanVleet and Brooks are set to miss their second straight meetings with the Clippers. Reed Sheppard and Jeff Green will likely be among the players called upon to notch spot starts against Los Angeles ahead of the weekend.

Smith’s potential absence is more impactful than Tate’s being unavailable, as he plays high minutes off the bench. Cam Whitmore and Jeff Green may have playing time available, but that would depend on Smith’s availability. If he cannot play, those two should figure more prominently in the Rockets’ plans on Friday.

To no one’s surprise, Uncle Jeff still has plenty left in the tank. Houston played Wednesday’s game without four starters, resulting in Green playing rotation minutes. He took advantage, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and scoring a season-high 19 points. This performance should not convince fantasy managers in active leagues to add Green ahead of Houston’s final two games of the regular season, but it was fun to watch him get going.

Four of Houston’s five starters are on the injury report for Monday’s game, with Jalen Green being the lone absentee. Since Fred VanVleet (ankle) is out, Thompson and Sengun will have additional playmaking responsibilities if available. Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green are two players who may be asked to do more if Thompson or Sengun cannot play against the Thunder. They have provided limited value when allowed to play extended minutes.

Both Eason and Adams sat out the second leg of Houston’s back-to-back on Saturday, but they’ll be back to play Milwaukee. Eason’s return will take away minutes from Jeff Green and Cam Whitmore. With Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Dillon Brooks (illness) both questionable, there is a path for Eason to start. With Adams back, Jock Landale will be pushed back out of the rotation.

Tari Eason sitting out Houston’s second game in as many nights led to Jabari Smith Jr. moving into the starting lineup, and his absence also freed up rotation minutes for Green. Uncle Jeff made the most of his minutes, missing only one of his seven shots and scoring a season-high 16 points. He has reached double figures in four of his last five appearances, but the inconsistent playing time makes Green a player who should not be rostered in most fantasy leagues.

Sengun appeared to tweak something in his lower back during the first quarter of Sunday’s game, prompting the Rockets to use a timeout to stop play. With Steven Adams already out, the Rockets will have to turn to Jeff Green and Jock Landale in Sengun’s absence.

Thompson has shined since Jabari Smith Jr.'s broken hand pushed him into the Rockets’ starting lineup. If he’s unable to play against Portland, Houston would likely turn to Jeff Green to fill the void. Green started Thursday’s win over Sacramento, filling in for Fred VanVleet (personal). VanVleet will be available for Saturday’s game.

VanVleet was not with the Rockets for Thursday’s loss to the Kings, but his absence from the injury report means he’ll be available on Saturday. Jeff Green will return to the bench after starting and playing 23 minutes on Thursday.