Slightly ahead of schedule, Rockets guard Reed Sheppard was officially active and cleared to play in Sunday's road game versus Phoenix.
After suffering a right thumb avulsion fracture on March 6 versus the New Orleans Pelicans, Houston's top rookie was initially estimated to miss at least four weeks.
Drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2024 first round, Sheppard has played only sparingly in the 2024-25 season for a deep Houston squad that is highly likely to advance to the NBA's 2025 playoffs. At the moment, the Rockets are 48-26 and No. 2 in the Western Conference standings.