<p>Finney-Smith underwent offseason ankle surgery and is out for the preseason; the Rockets don’t expect him back quickly, and Udoka indicated he’ll miss regular-season time with a partial practice return.</p><p>His absence creates a gap in 3-and-D efficiency and wing versatility, potentially elevating other defenders and shooters while Houston calibrates the rotation until he’s ready to contribute again.</p>

Finney-Smith, who also underwent offseason ankle surgery, is in a parallel recovery path with Tate as Houston gauges usage. His veteran 3-and-D presence should anchor some of the wing rotations, adding perimeter defense and floor-spreading shooting. His readiness will influence early-season minutes and how Houston spaces the floor around its length-forward approach.

<p>Finney-Smith’s versatility complements Capela’s interior presence, providing floor spacing and defensive versatility. The pairing helps Sengün operate with more space while Capela anchors the paint, giving Houston a more complete frontcourt and a more dynamic late-game defense.</p><p>SF/O role alongside Durant and Okogie adds a robust wing rotation that can elevate the Rockets’ reliability and fantasy upside as the season progresses.</p>

Finney-Smith won’t participate in any preseason games as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. His absence opens minutes for others and keeps the wing rotation flexible, but it also deprives the Rockets of a versatile veteran floor spacer early in camp.

Season debut delayed by ankle surgery; anticipated to miss early games; Rockets’ depth thinned at wing.