Rockets Cruise Past Blazers but Lose Tari Eason to Multi-Week Oblique Injury

The Houston Rockets extended their early-season surge on Friday night, dominating the Portland Trail Blazers 140–116 behind another polished performance from Kevin Durant. But the convincing victory came with costly news: forward Tari Eason will miss significant time after suffering an oblique injury.

Eason, one of Houston’s most reliable bench contributors, exited early after logging just 11 minutes. His absence was immediately noticeable, and the team confirmed Saturday that the injury will sideline him for four to six weeks. The setback disrupts what had been an important early-season stretch for the third-year forward.

Head coach Ime Udoka shared the update via sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson, emphasizing the team’s disappointment but noting that Eason’s recovery timeline remains encouraging. Even so, his loss removes a key piece from a Houston roster that has leaned heavily on its improved depth.

The Rockets, now 8–3 after winning eight of their last nine games, will need to adjust quickly as they continue their push up the Western Conference standings.

1. Eason’s Importance to Houston’s Bench Rotation

Before the injury, Eason had carved out an essential role as a high-energy reserve capable of impacting the game on both ends. His blend of scoring, physicality, and defensive versatility gave Houston a reliable spark in its second unit. Through the early weeks of the season, Eason averaged 11.5 points per game on an efficient 49.5 percent shooting. Even more eye-catching was his 50.9 percent success rate from three, a leap that significantly expanded his offensive value. Alongside 5.2 rebounds per game, he provided consistent production in limited minutes. His best outing came in a 137–109 win over the Brooklyn Nets, where he posted 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists — a complete performance that showcased the development Houston envisioned entering the year. Losing that level of versatility for up to six weeks forces Udoka to rethink the balance of his rotation. While the Rockets have shown depth across multiple positions, Eason’s two-way impact will be difficult to replicate, especially in high-intensity matchups as the season progresses.

2. Durant’s Steady Brilliance Anchoring Houston’s Start

While the Rockets absorbed the bad news on Eason, they also benefited from another standout performance from Durant, who continued to look comfortable in his first season with Houston. The veteran forward scored 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including three made threes, marking his fourth game of 30 or more points this year. Durant is averaging 25.1 points on over 50 percent shooting and an impressive 42.6 percent from beyond the arc. His efficiency and poise have been central to Houston’s rise, complementing the roster’s athleticism and defensive intensity. In addition to scoring, Durant contributes 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, providing well-rounded play that elevates the team’s overall performance. His arrival has accelerated Houston’s timeline, turning the Rockets into an early-season storyline across the league. For a mostly young roster, having a proven star capable of steady production — regardless of pace or opponent — has been critical in the team’s 8–3 start.

3. Reunion With Steven Adams Boosting Rockets’ Chemistry

Beyond pure production, Durant has emphasized how much Houston’s internal chemistry has shaped its fast start. A familiar presence has helped: center Steven Adams, Durant’s former teammate during their run with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant praised Adams’ longevity and physical presence, noting that despite years of heavy interior play, the veteran center still resembles the explosive force he was a decade ago. He cited Adams’ screening, offensive rebounding, and discipline in pick-and-roll coverage as invaluable traits. Durant also highlighted Adams’ resilience, pointing to his return from past injuries as evidence of his professionalism and work ethic. The respect between the two veterans has carried over into Houston’s locker room, strengthening the group’s cohesion. With Eason sidelined, Adams could see an uptick in minutes. His physicality, leadership, and interior presence may help counterbalance the production gap left by Eason’s absence in the Rockets’ second unit.