Amid the Houston Rockets’ 48-point first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend, the return of Jabari Smith Jr. — and more importantly, Ime Udoka’s utilization of the third-year big — was a reminder of his value.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. was set to return Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing 22 games with a broken left hand. Houston coach Ime Udoka said Smith would come off the bench,

Jabari Smith Jr. returns for the Rockets, but the Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert on the injury report after the All-Star break.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. was set to return Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing 22 games with a broken left hand. Houston coach Ime Udoka said Smith would come off the bench,

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. had 15 points and nine rebounds in his return Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing 22 games with a broken left hand.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. had 15 points and nine rebounds in his return Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing 22 games with a broken left hand. Smith came off the bench,

Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets are already feeling the effects of Jabari Smith Jr.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. made his return Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves and made an immediate impact off the bench, helping lead Houston to victory.

Amid the Houston Rockets’ 48-point first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend, the return of Jabari Smith Jr. — and more importantly, Ime Udoka’s utilization of the third-year big — was a reminder of his value.

The Houston Rockets got a much-needed win against a Western Conference foe in the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night thanks to an impactful night from forward

Jabari Smith Jr. has been out since Jan. 3 with a broken hand. The Rockets sorely missed his rebounding and versatility but now face a starting lineup decision.

Jabari Smith Jr. waited several weeks recovering from a hand injury that removed his services from the Houston Rockets' lineup. His return game featured Smith J