Dorian Finney-Smith Still Sidelined as Houston Rockets Continue Road Trip

The Houston Rockets will remain without veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith, as he continues to recover from an unspecified injury that has kept him out of recent action. The update, first noted by CBS Sports, confirms that the versatile wing is not yet ready to return to the floor.

This setback comes at a challenging time for the Rockets, who are navigating a demanding schedule and limited depth at forward. Fans across Houston have been eager to see how Finney-Smith could strengthen the rotation after arriving as one of the team’s most seasoned defenders.

Finney-Smith Still Working Toward Return

Finney-Smith’s absence means the Rockets must continue to rely on younger wing players to handle difficult defensive matchups. His ability to guard multiple positions and space the floor has been missed since he last played. Although the team has not offered a specific timetable for his return, the continued designation of "out" suggests Houston plans to move cautiously.

Because he has been sidelined for several games, Finney-Smith will likely require time to regain conditioning once cleared. That added delay could extend his path back into the rotation. Even so, the Rockets remain optimistic that his eventual return will improve the team’s defensive consistency.

Why It Matters for the Houston Rockets

Finney-Smith’s absence affects Houston in several ways. Most importantly, the team loses a proven defender who can help steady the second unit and guard top scorers on opposing teams. His perimeter defense and playoff experience are especially valuable for a roster that leans heavily on young talent.

• Houston lacks veteran depth on the wing.
• The Rockets miss his floor-spacing on offense.
• His availability impacts late-game rotations.

Because of these factors, coach Ime Udoka must continue to adjust his lineups and lean on emerging players to fill the gap. The Rockets have competed hard in recent games, yet the margin for error stays thin without their veteran forward.

What’s Next for Houston

The Rockets will continue monitoring Finney-Smith’s progress as they push through December’s packed schedule. Until he returns, expect more minutes for wings like Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr., depending on matchups.

As the season moves forward, Houston will need a healthy roster to stay competitive in the Western Conference. A return from Finney-Smith would give the team a boost on both ends of the floor and help steady the rotation during a critical part of the year.

This article is a summary of reporting by CBS Sports. Read the full story here.