Houston Rockets vs Toronto Raptors: preview and player stats (Dec 20, 2026)

Smart has been suspended three games for throwing a punch during Wednesday's matchup against Golden State, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Smart, who was ejected from Wednesday's game for punching Charles Bassey, will begin serving his suspension Friday night against the Jazz, meaning he'll be eligible to return Wednesday versus Indiana. Bruce Thornton and Reed Sheppard should be in line for more minutes while Smart serves his three-game ban.

Head coach Ime Udoka said Monday that Adams could return as soon as Sunday's game at Washington, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. The veteran center is still recovering from a right soleus strain and hasn't played since Oct. 23. With Adams and Clint Capela (ankle) both sidelined, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith figure to see increased burn at center.

Head coach Ime Udoka stated Monday that Capela (ankle) could be cleared to return either Nov. 15 in Washington or Nov. 16 in Miami, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. Capela is missing a fourth straight game Monday against Denver due to a right ankle sprain, but he appears to be trending in the right direction. He'll presumably need to log 5-on-5 work before gaining clearance to play, though the Rockets haven't disclosed how far along the big man is in his rehab.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic said Wednesday that Leonard (knee) is doing individual on-court work and is progressing well, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports. The Raptors are expected to provide another update on Leonard's status in about one week, though it's encouraging to see how he's progressed thus far. Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walter are candidates for increased playing time for as long as Leonard is sidelined.

Barnes (groin) is out for Thursday's game against Philadelphia. The star forward is missing a fourth straight game with a groin strain. Ja'Kobe Walter should continue to take on additional playmaking responsibilites in Barnes' stead, while Collin Murray-Boyles should keep starting at power forward.

Jackson-Davis is out for Thursday's game against the 76ers due to an illness. Jackson-Davis is missing both ends of Toronto's back-to-back set with the ailment. Jamison Battle should handle a larger role in the frontcourt Thursday.

McCullar signed a two-way contract with the Raptors on Thursday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports. McCullar quickly finds a new home after being waived by the Knicks in late October. The forward is expected to play a prominent role for Toronto's G League affiliate.

Bittle (foot) is listed as out for Monday's game against Memphis. Bittle has been battling a foot injury for a couple of months. It's unknown when the rookie will be cleared to suit up for the Raptors, so he should be considered week-to-week for now.