Charlotte Hornets vs. Houston Rockets - News - January 18, 2023

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Dennis Smith Jr. - Gets more run after LaMelo's exitSmith finished with nine points (2-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds, two rebounds and one steal across 29 minutes in Wednesday's 122-117 win over the Rockets.

ImpactWhile Smith's overall stat line doesn't inspire reason to run to the waiver wire, the fact that starting point guard LaMelo Ball exited the contest with a sprained left ankle is enough to make Smith worthy of a cursory pickup in 12-team category leagues. The Hornets have yet to provide an updated timeline for Ball's return, but given that he previously missed 13 and 11 games earlier in the season due to sprains of the same left ankle, it's reasonable to expect the third-year player to miss some time after his latest aggravation. In his 11 starts this season when Ball has been sidelined, Smith averaged 10.0 points, 6.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 30.9 minutes.

JANUARY 19, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Bryce McGowens - Logs 21 minutes off benchMcGowens finished with 10 points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and three assists across 21 minutes in Wednesday's 122-117 win over Houston.

ImpactWith Cody Martin (knee), Gordon Hayward (hamstring) and Kelly Oubre (hand) sidelined and with LaMelo Ball (ankle) exiting early, McGowens took on an elevated role in the second unit after he had only recently re-entered head coach Steve Clifford's rotation. The Hornets are still evaluating the statuses of Martin and Hayward on a game-by-game basis, but Oubre remains sidelined for the foreseeable future, and after spraining his left ankle for a third time this season, Ball could also be headed for a multi-game absence. McGowens thus looks like he'll have an opportunity to see some consistent playing time off the bench, though likely not enough run to make him a useful fantasy option outside of deeper leagues.

JANUARY 19, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Does LaMelo Ball's tortuous season have a light at the end of the tunnel?The guard sprained his ankle in what has been an injury-plagued campaign for the Charlotte Hornets

JANUARY 19, 2023•DEADSPIN.COM

Kenyon Martin Jr. - Keeps producing as starterMartin produced 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 0-1 FT), seven rebounds and three assists across 32 minutes during Wednesday's 122-117 loss to the Hornets.

ImpactMartin sniffed a double-double in Wednesday's loss, and he continues to produce as a starter. He's averaging 14.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game since jumping into a starting role, and he should remain in that status as long as Kevin Porter (foot) remains sidelined.

JANUARY 19, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Alperen Sengun - Delivers double-doubleSengun chipped in 24 points (10-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block across 39 minutes during Wednesday's 122-117 loss to the Hornets.

ImpactSengun was efficient from the floor, active on the glass and sharp as a playmaker, and his continued surge has made it increasingly tough for head coach Stephen Silas to keep him off the floor. The second-year center has now cleared 30 minutes in three straight contests and in five of his nine appearances in January. He's holding down monthly averages of 18.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 60.9 percent from the field.

JANUARY 19, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Jalen Green - Ties career high with 41 pointsGreen finished with 41 points (16-24 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven assists and five rebounds across 40 minutes during Wednesday's 122-117 loss to the Hornets.

ImpactThe 41-point explosion matched Green's previous career high, which he established in the regular-season finale of his rookie campaign. With backcourt mate Kevin Porter (foot) missing his fourth consecutive contest Wednesday, Green enjoyed a usage rate north of 30 percent for the second time during that stretch, and he paired the increased time on the ball with an increase his overall efficiency en route to the big scoring night. Even after the strong shooting performance, Green still hasn't quite taken the step forward many expected in his sophomore season. His 53.5 true shooting percentage is 1.2 points below his 2021-22 mark.

JANUARY 19, 2023•ROTOWIRE

P.J. Washington - Sniffs double-doubleWashington had 16 points (7-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 0-5 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks across 37 minutes in Wednesday's 112-117 road win over the Rockets.

ImpactWashington ended just two rebounds shy of recording what would've been his second double-double of the season -- and first one since Nov. 18 -- but aside from that, he also delivered value as an all-around threat who contributed on both ends of the court. That versatility is quite valuable, and Washington remains a capable performer in all formats. He's averaging 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game in nine January appearances.

JANUARY 19, 2023•ROTOWIRE

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Charlotte Hornets vs. Houston Rockets - News: Jan 19, 2023

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