Jabari Smith Jr. News, Rumors, Updates - Houston Rockets

On injury report after all Smith is listed on the injury report as questionable for Friday's game versus the Raptors due to a right hip pointer.

Impact An earlier report suggested Smith wasn't on the injury report, but the league report does indeed show the big man on the list after all. Smith is still hoping to play in Friday's game, but his status likely won't be confirmed until game day.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not on injury report Smith (ribs) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game against Toronto, Alykhan Bijani of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith sustained a rib injury during Wednesday's game against Oklahoma City but will be able to suit up two days later. However, the Rockets play games Friday and Saturday, so it's possible his workload will be monitored during the back-to-back set. Over his last four appearances, the 19-year-old has averaged 9.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hopes to play Friday Coach Stephen Silas remains hopeful Smith (ribs) will suit up Friday against the Raptors, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Smith exited Wednesday's game versus the Thunder due to a rib issue and finished the night with nine points and seven boards over 27 minutes. Fortunately, the issue doesn't sound too serious, and the rookie could avoid missing time altogether. With back-to-back games on the schedule Friday and Saturday, it will be worth monitoring his status on the upcoming injury reports and subsequent updates.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Heads to locker room Smith exited Wednesday's game against the Thunder due to a rib injury, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.

Impact Smith appeared to take a hard shot to the ribs and immediately headed to the locker room. He will finish the contest with nine points and seven rebounds across 27 minutes of action. Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate could be in line for a few more minutes if he doesn't return. If that is the case, Smith's next chance to play would come Friday against Toronto.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Racks up 12 boards Smith chipped in seven points (2-12 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals in 34 minutes during Saturday's 117-114 victory over Detroit.

Impact Smith turned in a dreadful shooting line and hit only 16.7 percent of his attempts from the field. He was able to make up for it by snagging 12 boards, which marks his best night on the glass since Jan. 4. Smith also continues to make an impact at the rim by swatting away at least one shot in each of his last four games.

JANUARY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will play, have minutes monitored Smith (ankle) will play Wednesday against the Wizards and will have his minutes monitored, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston reports.

Impact The rookie returns following a two-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. He'll presumably rejoin the starting five, pushing Tari Eason back to the bench, though fantasy managers shouldn't expect Smith to see too big of a workload. This month, the forward is averaging 11.8 points on 40/21/73 shooting, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 28.7 minutes.

JANUARY 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to play Wednesday Smith (ankle) is questionable to play Wednesday against the Wizards, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact The rookie hopes to return from a two-game absence due to a right ankle sprain. Smith is averaging 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in January, and if he can't go against Washington, then Tari Eason would probably remain in the starting unit.

JANUARY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hopes to play Wednesday Smith (ankle) said Tuesday that he hope's to play in Wednesday's contest against the Wizards, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.

Impact The rookie sat out Monday's game, marking a second straight absence, due to a right ankle sprain. However, it appears he was able to practice Tuesday and will attempt to suit up Wednesday. Further clarity on his availability will surface when Houston releases its next injury report.

JANUARY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out Monday Smith (ankle) is out for Monday's contest against the Timberwolves, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact The rookie forward will officially miss his second consecutive contest due to an ankle injury. Tari Eason figures to draw another start due to Smith's absence. The Auburn product's next chance to take the floor comes Wednesday against the Wizards.

JANUARY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Monday Smith (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Timberwolves.

Impact Smith sat out Saturday against Minnesota due to a sprained right ankle, but he'll have a chance to return for Monday's rematch. He's scored in double figures in three of his last four appearances and has averaged 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game across that span.

JANUARY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Smith (ankle) is out for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact As expected, Smith will sit out Saturday, marking just the second absence of his rookie campaign. More minutes should be available for Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate.

JANUARY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as doubtful Smith (ankle) is officially doubtful for Saturday's meeting with the Timberwolves.

Impact A previous report indicated that Smith had been ruled out for the contest, but the official injury report has the rookie listed as doubtful. If he misses Saturday, Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate will see increased run, though it's unclear who will enter the starting lineup in Smith's presumed absence.

JANUARY 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Saturday Smith (ankle) will miss Saturday's game versus the Timberwolves, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston reports.

Impact Smith was present at practice Friday but didn't participate, foreshadowing just his second absence from the lineup all season. Smith's absence should open the door to increased minutes for Tari Eason, Jae'Sean Tate and others, though it's unclear who will join the starting unit. Should Eason get the nod, it would mark his debut in the starting five. Smith will rest up for his next chance to return in a rematch with Minnesota on Monday.

JANUARY 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Wednesday Smith will not return to Wednesday's game against the Hornets due to a right ankle sprain, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.

Impact Smith is an early exit for Wednesday's contest, posting eight points and five rebounds prior to suffering the ankle injury. In his stead, Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate could see more minutes. Smith's next chance to suit up will come Saturday against the Timberwolves.

JANUARY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

LeBron James scores season-high 48 Pts in Lakers win vs. Rockets | UNDISPUTED

JANUARY 17, 2023 • Fox Sports

How did Jabari Smith Jr. make LeBron James feel old? The rookie from Auburn shared a bit of family history with the 18-time All-Star during an NBA game.

JANUARY 17, 2023 • AL.COM

Jabari Smith Jr. had a fun fact for LeBron 😂

JANUARY 17, 2023 • YOUTUBE

Posts career-best scoring night Smith totaled 27 points (11-20 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and three blocks over 34 minutes during Friday's 139-114 loss to the Kings.

Impact The No. 3 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft came into Friday averaging just 6.7 points on 32 percent shooting over his previous three contests, but he turned things around dramatically with his first 20-plus point performance since Dec. 23. Smith's scoring total was the highest of his career thus far, and he reached the 27 points on an efficient 11-for-20 mark from the field. While the outburst showed a hint of Smith's offensive potential, fantasy managers who roster him shouldn't expect this level of efficiency most nights, as the rookie is still shooting just 39.1 percent from the field on the season.

JANUARY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Posts double-double in loss Smith logged 14 points (3-10 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals over 31 minutes during Wednesday's 119-108 loss to the Pelicans.

Impact Smith struggled from the field in this one as the Rockets lost to one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but he still posted his fourth double-double since the beginning of December. The rookie has improved as the season has progressed and is averaging 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his last 10 contests.

JANUARY 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Serviceable effort Thursday Smith finished with 16 points (7-13 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal over 27 minutes during Thursday's 129-114 loss to the Mavericks.

Impact Smith cobbled together a serviceable performance despite the loss, scoring in double digits for the fourth time in his last five games. After a slow start to his NBA career, Smith has slowly been able to figure things out, flirting with top-100 value over the past month. With the Rockets going nowhere fast, his role should stick moving forward, making him a viable asset across all fantasy formats.

DECEMBER 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Multiple career highs Smith totaled 24 points (10-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one block over 34 minutes during Friday's 112-106 loss to the Mavericks.

Impact Smith had arguably the best game of his rookie season Friday. The 2022 No. 3 pick posted a career high in points and assists while posting his sixth double-double.

DECEMBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Posts double-double in loss Smith ended with 15 points (6-14 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal in 32 minutes during Thursday's 111-108 loss to Miami.

Impact The rookie has struggled in his first taste of NBA action compared to other first-year players. but he might be showing signs of a turnaround with two double-doubles over his last five outings and four double-digit scoring performances in that span. He still needs to get used to the pace of the game and his shooting figures remain below par, but Smith seems to be trending in the right direction. The former Auburn standout is averaging 13.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in December.

DECEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Listed available to play Smith (illness) is listed as available for Thursday's game against Miami.

Impact The rookie popped up on the injury report due to an illness, and coach Stephen Silas said he'd be a game-time decision. However, the Rockets' updated report lists Smith as "available." This may be a situation to monitor, given that the two reports came out within a 20-minute span, but as of now, it appears that Smith will be able to take the floor.

DECEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ready to roll Thursday Smith (illness) will be available for Thursday's game versus the Heat.

Impact Despite a recent report suggesting Smith would be a game-time decision, the team has listed the rookie first-round pick as available for the evening's tilt. Smith should retain his starting spot Thursday and log his usual workload, assuming the bug doesn't cause further issues.

DECEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Game-time call Thursday Coach Stephen Silas said Smith (illness) will be a game-time decision for Thursday's tilt against the Heat, Jackson Gatlin of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Impact Smith was added to the injury report early Thursday due to a non-COVID illness. However, it seems like fantasy managers will have to wait until closer to tipoff to get a final ruling on the rookie's status. If Smith were to sit, Kenyon Martin and Tari Eason would be slated to receive extended action.

DECEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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LeBron James scores season-high 48 Pts in Lakers win vs. Rockets | UNDISPUTED