Why is Tari Eason not playing tonight against Raptors? Latest on Rockets rising star's absence (Dec. 22)

The Houston Rockets will cross swords against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, but they will be without key role player Tari Eason. The 6-foot-8 forward has been ruled out due to a left lower leg injury, marking his second consecutive missed game.

Eason had not been moving with his usual agility in recent games, raising concerns among Rockets fans about a potential injury. His absence for a second straight game confirms that the young forward has been dealing with a lingering issue.

The former LSU standout last played for the Rockets during the NBA Cup semifinal against the OKC Thunder on Dec. 14. Eason contributed 12 points and two rebounds in 17 minutes, but the Rockets fell short, suffering a 111-96 loss that ended their in-season tournament run.

Tari Eason had an impressive start to the season, quickly establishing himself as a strong candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award. His impactful play on both ends of the court has been instrumental in the Rockets' success, helping them maintain a solid third-place position in the competitive Western Conference standings with a 19-9 record.

However, Eason's production has dipped slightly in recent weeks. Over the last 11 games, he has averaged 9.7 points on 37.8% shooting from the field, including 25.0% from beyond the arc.

Despite this recent decline, Eason’s overall contributions this season remain significant. The Rockets forward is averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.0 block per game.

Where to watch Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors?

The Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. EST (3 p.m. PT).

The Rockets vs. Raptors game will be broadcast live on SCHN (local) and TSN (local) while the live streaming will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).