Absent from the initial injury report, Smith will not play in Houston’s regular-season finale. His absence likely frees up rotation minutes for Cam Whitmore, who went off for 34 points in Friday’s loss to the Lakers. His ceiling won’t be as high on Sunday, especially with Rockets coach Ime Udoka deciding to play his starters their usual minutes.

Smith is set to miss a second straight game. The Rockets are limited at forward off the bench, so Jeff Green will likely be heavily utilized in Friday’s contest.

Smith’s potential absence is more impactful than Tate’s being unavailable, as he plays high minutes off the bench. Cam Whitmore and Jeff Green may have playing time available, but that would depend on Smith’s availability. If he cannot play, those two should figure more prominently in the Rockets’ plans on Friday.

For a game that carries importance in the western conference playoff standings, the Rockets are missing quite a few players. Smith Jr. and Thompson join Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks on the sidelines Wednesday. Cam Whitmore and Jae’Sean Tate are prime candidates to see increased minutes against the Clippers.