Tari Eason is a free agent in 2026 for the Houston Rockets, but they shouldn't waste any time signing a contract extension.

Smith will come off the bench Thursday against the Pelicans, Ben DuBose of USA Today reports. The Rockets will elect to roll with Tari Eason at power forward Thursday, bumping Smith to the bench. The Auburn product should still play a key role in the rotation,

Dillon Brooks got a latest trolling directed towards him from his Houston Rockets teammate Tari Eason for his pre-game outfit.

With Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (ankle strain) sidelined for a 10th straight game, Tari Eason made another start on Tuesday night versus Milwaukee.

Tari Eason sinks a floater in the first period vs. the Timberwolves.

Eason provided 16 points (7-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt), 14 rebounds and four assists across 26 minutes during Tuesday's 115-102 loss to the Pacers. Eason matched his season-high with 14 rebounds, laying out his first double-double in over a month.

Iffy for Monday

Eason (lower leg) is not on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Kings. Eason didn't play against the Spurs on Wednesday due to left lower leg injury management, but the fact that he's not on the injury report suggests he should be good to go Saturday.

After sitting out in Saturday's game against Utah, Eason will start in his return and supplant Jabari Smith from the first unit. Over five games as a starter this season, Eason has averaged 13.4 points,

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, center, shoots between Indiana Pacers defenders Jarace Walker, left, and Thomas Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Mar

Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and Tari Eason are all on The Ringer’s latest top-100 NBA players list.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reaches for a loose ball along with Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson (1) and Houston Rockets' Tari Eason during the second half of an NBA basketball