Rockets Forward Added to Injury Report Ahead of Jazz Matchup

Houston looks to get back on track at home against struggling Utah squad

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:20pm

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The Houston Rockets will be shorthanded when they host the Utah Jazz tonight, with forward Jae'Sean Tate added to the injury report with a right knee sprain. The Rockets are already missing key players like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, and will need to overcome these absences to get a much-needed win against the rebuilding Jazz.

Why it matters

The Rockets have been inconsistent this season due to injuries, and need to start stacking wins to improve their playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Jazz are playing for draft position rather than a postseason berth, making this a prime opportunity for Houston to get back on track at home.

The details

In addition to Tate, the Rockets will be without VanVleet (right ACL) and Adams (left ankle surgery). The Jazz have their own injury concerns, with Keyonte George (right ankle) questionable and Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee) and Walker Kessler (left shoulder) ruled out. Former All-Star Lauri Markkanen is probable to play despite an illness.

  • The Rockets and Jazz tip off at 8:30 p.m. CT on February 23, 2026 at Toyota Center in Houston.

The players

Jae'Sean Tate

Rockets forward who has been added to the injury report with a right knee sprain.

Fred VanVleet

Rockets guard who is out with a right ACL repair.

Steven Adams

Rockets center who is out after left ankle surgery.

Keyonte George

Jazz guard who is questionable to play due to a right ankle sprain.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jazz forward who is out due to a left knee injury.

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What’s next

The Rockets will need to find a way to overcome their injury issues and get a win against the struggling Jazz to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race.

The takeaway

Injuries have plagued the Rockets all season, and they will need to dig deep to get a much-needed victory at home against the rebuilding Jazz. With their playoff positioning on the line, Houston must find a way to win despite being shorthanded.