DENNIS SMITH JR. NEWS

Leonard returns, hits game-winner as Clippers beat Hornets

Kawhi Leonard scored 16 points, including an 18-foot jumper with 1.4 seconds to lift the Los Angeles Clippers to a 119-117 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in his return from a r...

DECEMBER 6, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Remains out Monday Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Impact Smith will be sidelined by a left ankle sprain for a fifth straight game. LaMelo Ball (ankle) also remains out, so Terry Rozier, Bryce McGowens and Theo Maledon should continue to be relied upon in Charlotte's backcourt.

DECEMBER 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Oubre and Charlotte take on Los Angeles in non-conference play

Charlotte faces Los Angeles in non-conference action

DECEMBER 4, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Out again Smith (ankle) will remain sidelined for Saturday's game against the Bucks.

Impact Smith's absence will mark his fourth consecutive game missed due to an ankle sprain. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) also sidelined, the Hornets will lean on Terry Rozier, Theo Maledon and James Bouknight in their backcourt.

DECEMBER 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Antetokounmpo leads Milwaukee against Charlotte after 40-point game

Milwaukee plays the Charlotte Hornets after Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 40 points in the Bucks' 133-129 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers

DECEMBER 3, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Remains sidelined against Wizards Smith (ankle) is out for Friday's game versus Washington.

Impact Smith will miss his third consecutive game Friday due to a left ankle sprain. Terry Rozier and Theo Maledon will likely receive extended minutes with LaMelo Ball (ankle) also out. Smith's next opportunity to suit up will be Saturday's game against the Bucks.

DECEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Washington plays Charlotte, aims to break road skid

Washington will try to stop its four-game road skid when the Wizards face Charlotte

DECEMBER 1, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Boston puts home win streak on the line against Charlotte

Boston looks to prolong its eight-game home win streak with a victory over Charlotte

NOVEMBER 28, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Still out Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against Boston, Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Smith is still sporting a walking boot and will miss a second straight game due to an ankle injury. LaMelo Ball (ankle) also remains out, so Terry Rozier, Theo Maledon, James Bouknight and Bryce McGowens are all candidates for increased roles.

NOVEMBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Oubre scores 28, Hornets snap T-Wolves' 5-game win streak

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 28 points, and the Charlotte Hornets stopped Minnesota’s five-game win streak with a 110-108 victory over Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves

NOVEMBER 26, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ruled out Friday Smith (ankle) will not play Friday against the Timberwolves.

Impact Smith tweaked his left ankle during Wednesday's game against the 76ers and will miss at least one contest to finish out the week. The Hornets are one of several teams dealing with multiple key injuries, as LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) could also miss Friday's contest.

NOVEMBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rozier's big 4th quarter leads Hornets past Sixers 107-101

Terry Rozier scored nine of his 22 points in the final 5 minutes as the Charlotte Hornets rallied past the Philadelphia 76ers 107-101 in a matchup of injury-riddled teams

NOVEMBER 24, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Won't return against Philadelphia Smith is out for the remainder Wednesday's game versus the 76ers due to a left ankle sprain.

Impact Smith left Wednesday's game in the second quarter and was ruled out minutes later. Smith's status for Friday's game against Minnesota is uncertain.

NOVEMBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Brings defense in return Smith (ankle) finished with six points (3-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt), three assists, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks across 25 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 106-102 loss to the Wiz...

Impact In his return from a four-game absence, Smith continued to fill up the defensive categories, something that's been a familiar occurrence when he's been healthy enough to play this season. He's now averaging 1.9 steals and 0.8 blocks to go along with 5.9 assists in 29.1 minutes per contest, but his fantasy utility in most leagues may last only as long as LaMelo Ball (ankle) is sidelined. The Hornets are expected to continue evaluating Ball's status on a game-by-game basis, making it tough to gauge whether Smith will be able to maintain a 25-to-30-minute role during Charlotte's upcoming two-game week.

NOVEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Kuzma scores 28 points, Wizards beat Hornets; Beal limps off

Kyle Kuzma had 28 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, helping the Washington Wizards beat the Charlotte Hornets 106-102

NOVEMBER 21, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Available Sunday Smith (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Wizards.

Impact Smith missed the last four games with a left ankle sprain and was questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup, but he'll be able to return to the court against Washington. Smith will likely see plenty of run since LaMelo Ball (ankle) has been ruled out.

NOVEMBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Sunday Smith (ankle) is questionable to play in Sunday's game against the Wizards.

Impact Smith has missed four straight contests due to a sprained left ankle, and his availability for Sunday remains up in the air. Considering LaMelo Ball (ankle) has already been ruled out, if Smith is able to play, he will likely slot into the starting point guard spot. However, if he fails to suit up, more minutes would become available for James Bouknight and Theo Maledon.

NOVEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play Friday Smith (ankle) is doubtful for Friday's game versus Cleveland.

Impact Smith is on track to miss his fourth game in a row with a sprained left ankle. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) also out, Theo Maledon, Terry Rozier and James Bouknight should be in line for extended minutes. Smith's next opportunity to play will be Sunday's game against the Wizards.

NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets' Ball re-injures ankle after stepping on fan's foot

LaMelo Ball’s first home game of the season didn’t go anywhere near as well as the All-Star point guard hoped

NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Downgraded to out Smith (ankle) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Pacers.

Impact Smith will miss his third consecutive game Wednesday due to a sprained left ankle. It is unclear what the 25-year-old guard's minutes will look like now that LaMelo Ball has returned. Smith's next opportunity to play will be Friday's game versus Cleveland.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful to play Wednesday Smith (ankle) isn't expected to take the floor Wednesday versus the Pacers.

Impact Smith was initially considered a candidate to play Wednesday despite his absence Monday, but Smith's doubtful designation has him trending in the wrong direction. Unless there is a change in his status, Smith's next chance to retake the floor will arrive Friday in Cleveland.

NOVEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Charlotte plays Indiana on home slide

Charlotte heads into a matchup against Indiana after losing four home games in a row

NOVEMBER 15, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hornets stop 8-game slide with 112-105 win against Magic

LaMelo Ball had 17 points and nine assists, and the Charlotte Hornets stopped an eight-game slide with a 112-105 victory over the Orlando Magic

NOVEMBER 15, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Out Monday, could play Wednesday Smith (ankle) will not be available for Monday's game at Orlando, Sam Perley of Hornets.com reports.

Impact Smith was doubtful coming into the day, so the Hornets ultimately ruling him out shouldn't come as a much of a surprise. Coach Steve Clifford said pregame that he's hoping to have Smith back for Wednesday's game against Indiana, an indication that the sprained left ankle isn't quite as severe as it initially appeared. Either way, with LaMelo Ball back in the mix for Charlotte, Smith's upside will be considerably lower going forward. With that said, the journeyman guard has clearly made a positive impression through the first few weeks of the season, so he should be able to stick around in the rotation. Over his last 11 games (all starts), Smith has averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.9 steals in 30.9 minutes.

NOVEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful for Monday's contest Smith (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Magic.

Impact Smith will likely miss a second straight game due to an ankle injury. LaMelo Ball made his season debut Saturday, so Smith's expected absence shouldn't have a major impact on Charlotte's rotation.

NOVEMBER 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE