The Houston Rockets have surged back into contention since the All-Star break, winning three of their last four games, including a significant 118-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This win has propelled them back into the top four of the Western Conference standings, overtaking the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a rough start to February with a 2-6 record, the Rockets showed resilience, finishing the month with a slightly improved 5-7 record.

A key factor in this turnaround is the return of power forward Jabari Smith Jr., who has been impactful since coming back from a fractured hand. Averaging 10 points and 7.3 rebounds over the past four games, his presence has bolstered the team's defensive and rebounding stats, with the Rockets now ranking 8th in defensive rating and 7th in rebounding percentage. Meanwhile, Amen Thompson has filled in admirably during Smith's absence, posting near-All-Star numbers. However, Smith's height advantage has proven crucial against opponents exploiting Houston's paint defense.

Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets has been selected to participate in the NBA's Rising Stars Challenge, solidifying his status as one of the league's standout young players. This announcement follows his remarkable performance in a recent game against the Boston Celtics, where he secured a game-winning shot and scored 33 points, highlighting his rapid rise in the NBA.

The Rising Stars Challenge is set for February 14 at Chase Center in San Francisco, featuring top young talent from the NBA and G League. Thompson's selection is part of a broader acknowledgment of his contributions to the Rockets, who currently boast a strong record of 31-14, positioning them third in the league.

Thompson has excelled as a starter, averaging impressive stats including 18.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. His defensive skills and ability to handle the ball have made him an invaluable asset for the Rockets, especially following a series of injuries to key players.

The Houston Rockets are set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team with the best NBA record, at Toyota Center on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Rockets, with a record of 28-14, are second in the Western Conference and fourth overall, trailing the Cavaliers by eight games. This matchup marks the first of two games between the teams within four days, with the Rockets traveling to Cleveland for the rematch on Saturday as they embark on a four-game road trip.

In terms of injuries, the Cavaliers will be without center Evan Mobley, who is nursing a right calf strain, and forward Isaac Okoro, dealing with a right shoulder sprain. Guard Caris LeVert is listed as questionable due to a wrist injury. The Rockets' injury report includes forward Jabari Smith Jr., who has been sidelined since January 3 with a fractured left hand.

The Houston Rockets are set to host the Detroit Pistons at the Toyota Center in Houston, marking their second face-off of the season. An exciting subplot to the game is the potential matchup of twin brothers Amen Thompson of the Rockets and Ausar Thompson of the Pistons, who have yet to face each other this season due to injuries. Ausar missed the first 18 games recovering from a blood clot, while Amen's availability remains uncertain following a calf issue that kept him out of the Rockets' recent game in Portland.

As the Rockets prepare for this crucial matchup, they are dealing with some injury concerns. Amen Thompson is listed as questionable, having missed his first game of the season due to tightness in his left calf. Meanwhile, Jabari Smith Jr. remains sidelined with a fractured left hand. On the Pistons' side, Jaden Ivey continues to be out after surgery for a broken fibula, with a re-evaluation scheduled in early February.

The Houston Rockets have received encouraging news regarding Jabari Smith Jr.'s recovery from a broken hand, which initially sidelined him for an estimated 4-8 weeks. Head coach Ime Udoka announced that Smith will avoid surgery, although this adjustment extends his recovery timeline to 5-9 weeks. With this development, Smith is expected to return to play by early March, allowing him some time to integrate back into the team before the playoffs.

Despite Smith's absence, the Rockets have performed remarkably well, boasting a 6-2 record in games without him. Amen Thompson has stepped up as a starter during this period, showcasing the team's depth and resilience. Nevertheless, the Rockets will be eager to regain Smith's defensive contributions as they push towards a playoff berth.