The Houston Rockets suffered a significant blow to their roster as Steven Adams and Marcus Smart didn’t play in tonight’s 120-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Rockets’ head coach, Ime Udoka, spoke to the media before the game and provided the latest updates on both players.

“Marcus is day-to-day, game-to-game. We’re hoping to have him back, possibly next game. Steven will be out for at least a week or two,” Coach Udoka confirmed.

In his lone game of the season against the Spurs, Steven Adams finished with four points, two rebounds, and one assist on 2-for-2 shooting (100.0% FG).

“He had some soreness, and it tightened up early on,” Udoka added about Steven Adams. “He missed the first game and thought he felt good enough to play. He warmed up, looked good, and felt good, but felt something during the game. That’s when we got the imaging.”

“I would say Clint is obviously going to get a look, but we were very comfortable going small,” Udoka added about how Steven Adams’ absence would affect team rotation decisions.

“Jabari, from day one before I got here, was really good at playing small-ball five, guarding up and down the lineup, and switching. We love that aspect of his game, but he can also really take advantage of big men guarding him,” Udoka added when asked if Steven Adams’ absence could mean more minutes for a promising player like Jabari Smith Jr.

“His handle has gotten better, his one-on-one game has improved, and his jump shot has always been there. That’s where he can take advantage of those matchups,” Udoka said near the end. “But we’ll give Clint the first look and then roll with some small-ball lineups as well.”

Marcus Smart’s absence also means extended minutes for Reed Sheppard and a potential opportunity for the Rockets’ 2026 draft pick, Bruce Thornton, to hopefully see some action. Sheppard was also listed as questionable ahead of the game but suited up to play tonight.

Marcus Smart has so far averaged 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 41.7% from the field in two appearances for the Rockets. Even this early in the season, the NBA’s physicality can quickly catch up to seasoned players, as the Rockets’ injury update shows.

The Rockets’ younger players will need to step up and demonstrate that they can handle more responsibility now that Adams and Marcus Smart are out. Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and possibly Bruce Thornton could all benefit from this chance to make a name for themselves in Ime Udoka’s rotation.