After a 22-game absence, forward Jabari Smith Jr. should be back on the court with the Houston Rockets on Friday night, said Ime Udoka, the NBA team’s coach, on Thursday.

Smith hasn’t played since Jan. 1, when he scored 12 points in a 110-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. On Jan. 4, the former Auburn standout broke a bone in his hand during a shootaround.

“It’s been hard,” Smith said on Thursday. “It’s the first time in my basketball career that I’ve been out for that long without being able to play basketball. I’ve had ankle sprains, but that’s only like two weeks or so. So this is my first real extensive injury. I had to consider getting surgery and stuff like that. That’s the first time I’ve ever went through that, so it was a tough period for me. But I’m glad I’m through it. I got through it, and I’m just ready to finish the season strong.”

Initial indications were Smith’s injury would require surgery.

“When I heard the two sides of it, it was found out that it was better not to get surgery,” Smith said, “and it was a relief. I’ve never gotten surgery or anything, so I was kind of nervous and skeptical about that. But when I found out I didn’t have to get surgery, I felt good about it. It was definitely a relief.”

The Rockets play the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:30 p.m. CST Friday at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Udoka said Smith would not be on a minutes restriction in his return.

“I think he’s worked extremely hard,” Udoka said. “It’s a hand injury, so his conditioning is good. He could get out there and do some cardio. It’s just mainly letting the hand heal, so don’t expect him to be on any restriction.”

When Smith got hurt, the Rockets had a 22-11 record. Houston has gone 12-10 since he left the lineup.

“The thing that hurt us significantly has been our rebounding numbers defensively,” Udoka said. “That’s due to his size, and, obviously, athleticism and length and all those things, but also some other guys being in different spots.”

Smith joined Houston as the third selection of the 2022 NBA Draft. In his third NBA season, he has averaged 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game.

The Rockets are in fourth place in the Western Conference with 27 regular-season games remaining.

“This is when things get serious,” Smith said. “This is when you have to lock in. This is when you peak. This is when you really find out who you are, and really, really try to make a push and look the best at the end of the season, so that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.