Rockets F Tari Eason (leg) to undergo season-ending surgery

Field Level Media|published: Sun 3rd March, 20:50 2024

Dec 27, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) warms up prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. credits: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason will undergo season-ending surgery on his left leg on Monday.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Eason developed a benign growth on his shin earlier this season and attempted to play through the pain. But he hasn't played since Jan. 1 due to the injury.

"We thought rest and rehab, he could get over it that way, but every time he ramped up, the pain came right back," said Udoka, according to the Houston Chronicle. "After seeing all the specialists and decision-makers, it came to the decision that it's best to have surgery Monday."

Udoka said Eason will have a bone graft on the shin and be sidelined approximately four months.

Eason, who turns 23 in May, averaged 9.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in 22 games this season, his second in the NBA. As a rookie, he averaged 9.3 points and 6.0 rebounds while playing all 82 games after being the No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 draft out of LSU.

The Rockets host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

—Field Level Media