Finney-Smith Likely Misses Rockets' Oct. 21 Opener

Dorian Finney-Smith, whom Houston signed this offseason on a four-year deal, underwent left-ankle surgery in June to address a lingering injury and says he is running and will be ready “soon,” though he gave no timetable. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Finney-Smith is cleared for limited on-court work (shooting but no contact) but will “probably not” be ready for the Oct. 21 season opener and the team does not yet know how many games he will miss. The setback compounds Houston’s depth issues after Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear and weakens the Rockets’ perimeter shooting and defense — Finney-Smith shot 41.1% from three last season. His absence should open meaningful early minutes for Tari Eason, Jae’Sean Tate and Josh Okogie while forcing others, including Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard, to shoulder more shooting responsibility. Rockets management says he remains “on schedule” in rehab as the club carefully manages workloads for players recovering from procedures heading into the season.