After Houston Rockets All-Star Kevin Durant scored 30 points in a 140-116 win against the Portland Blazers, the team received disappointing news regarding forward Tari Eason's oblique injury. Eason has been ruled out for four to six weeks.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka announced the timetable for Eason's return on Saturday, per Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson.
“Tari Eason has a strained oblique and will be out 4-6 weeks, per head coach Ime Udoka.
Eason scored three points in 11 minutes before suffering the injury in Friday's blowout win against the Blazers. He's been a spark off the Rockets' bench with averages of 11.5 points on 49.5% shooting, including a whopping 50.9% from deep and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Rockets' Tari Eason tallied a season-high 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a 137-109 win against the Brooklyn Nets earlier this season, as Udoka and the Rockets will have to fill a void left in his absence amid Houston's impressive 8-3 record. Friday's win marks the Rockets' eighth in nine outings.
Durant connected on 12-of-19 attempts, including 3-for-6 from deep, en route to his fourth 30+ point game of the regular season. He's averaging 25.1 points on 50.5% shooting, including 42.6% from deep, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in his first season with the Rockets.
Kevin Durant on reuniting with his new Rockets teammate
All-Star Kevin Durant recognized a familiar face on the Rockets, which he says has helped with the team's historic start. Durant played alongside Rockets center Steven Adams when they were with the Thunder.
After joining the Rockets, Durant admits he's happy to be on the same team as Adams, he said, and says the veteran center still has a lot to offer.
“I don't believe he's aged that much,” Durant said. “He's still playing over the rim like he did when he was young. He’s still physical on the offensive glass, setting great screens, running up in the screens, getting down low in presentation on the pick and roll as a big. Yeah, he's probably learned the tricks of the trade of being a professional in the NBA and how to practice, how to come into games every day.
“But as far as his talent level, his skill level, it still reminds me of young Steven 10 years ago. And, you know, that's a testament to his hard work and his dedication. And he's been through some injuries, too. So how you bounce back from that shows your mental makeup as a player. So, I'm grateful to be around Steven again.”
Perhaps Eason's injury opens the door for extended playing time for Adams.
