
Thompson led Team M in scoring with 11 points on six attempts from the field. The 22-year-old point guard also had three turnovers in 11 minutes and was -4 in the one-point upset loss. Thompson has asserted himself as a better scorer recently with at least 16 points in four of his last six games. He's so good in the other categories that he's a high floor player with lots of upside when his shot is falling.
With Fred VanVleet (ankle) still sidelined, Holiday will make a return to the starting lineup. Tari Eason has started during most of FVV's absences, but on the second night of a back-to-back, Eason is sidelined. Holiday contributed six points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one triple during his last start.
Eason is back after sitting out Sunday's win over the Raptors, which is Houston's second game in as many days. His return means Aaron Holiday will come off the bench, but the veteran guard could return to the starting lineup on Thursday. Eason and Steven Adams (ankle) have been ruled out for Thursday's matchup with the Warriors.
Smith Jr. is close to recovering from his left hand fracture and is targeting a February 21st return against the Timberwolves. It's unclear whether he'll knock Amen Thompson or Dillon Brooks out of the starting lineup, or if Smith Jr. will end up playing a reserve role for Houston. Smith Jr. has yet to come off the bench in his career, but the emergence of Thompson may change that.
Smith is close to recovering from his left hand fracture and is targeting a February 21st return against the Timberwolves. It's unclear whether he'll knock Amen Thompson or Dillon Brooks out of the starting lineup.