Rockets' Smith out 4-8 weeks with fractured hand

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. fractured his left hand at shootaround Friday and will miss four-to-eight weeks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Smith will need surgery on his non-shooting hand, but the date of the procedure has yet to be determined as the team confirms the severity of the injury, per Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle.

The 21-year-old is in his third season with the franchise. He's averaged 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and an assist over 30.9 minutes in 33 contests this campaign.

The Rockets started veteran forward Jeff Green in Smith's place against the Boston Celtics on Friday. Versatile wing Amen Thompson will move into the starting lineup after he finishes his two-game suspension, added Lerner.

Houston selected the former Auburn product with the third pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Smith holds career averages of 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.