Jan 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) controls the ball as Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington (25) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr. miss practice on Friday
The Rockets will likely be without two starters when they try to avoid their 12th straight loss Saturday night in Minneapolis against the Timberwolves.
Jabari Smith Jr. didn’t practice on Friday after he sprained his right ankle in the third quarter of Wednesday’s loss to Charlotte, while Kevin Porter Jr. went to get the left foot that has forced him to miss the last three games checked out by a specialist.
It appeared Porter was on track to play Wednesday, but Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said he was experiencing pain in his left big toe. The fourth-year point guard is the Rockets’ second leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game.
Smith was able to do individual work on Friday despite not practicing with the team. The Rockets’ rookie forward is averaging 12 points per game this season. He had to miss time during training camp after suffering a sprained left ankle.
