Rockets’ Ime Udoka Announces Unfortunate Tari Eason Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin McCormick | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 4:44 PM ET

Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Houston Rockets were a team with big aspirations in a loaded Western Conference. However, injuries have taken a toll on the roster to open the year. First, they lost point guard Fred VanVleet for the season, and now another rotation piece is expected to be sidelined for some time.

On Friday night, the Rockets took on the Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Cup action. While they managed to come away with a 140-116 victory, they did suffer a major blow. That being forward Tari Eason having to exit the matchup due to injury.

Eason logged just 11 minutes on Friday before being removed from the game. His injury occurred after having an awkward collision while defending Jrue Holiday. He was immediately subbed out and needed the help of his teammates to get back to the locker room.

The play where Tari Eason got hurt. https://t.co/44JjzeCw65 pic.twitter.com/xrj3BAxZng
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) November 15, 2025

Following practice on Saturday, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was asked about Eason's status moving forward. He noted that the 24-year-old suffered a strained oblique and will be out for at least the next four to six weeks.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason has a strained oblique and will miss 4-6 weeks, coach Ime Udoka told reporters after practice. Eason, who'll be a 2026 restricted free agent, is averaging 11.5 points on a career-high 49.5% from the field and 50.9% from 3-point range in 11 games pic.twitter.com/vqpVtVmRym
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 15, 2025

Since joining the Rockets in 2022, Eason has emerged as a key piece of Houston's supporting cast. Now, they'll have to navigate not having the defensive-minded and athletic wing to deploy when needed.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) covers his face during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Across 11 games this season, Eason is averaging 11.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Among those likely to see more minutes in his absence are Jae'Sean Tate and Jeff Green.

The Rockets are slated to be back in action Sunday night to take on Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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