JALEN SMITH NEWS

Cleared to play Smith (back) is available for Thursday's game against Philadelphia, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Impact Smith was initially tagged as a game-time decision due to a sore back, but it won't keep him from Thursday night's action. He's averaging 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 20.4 minutes over his last five appearances.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Thursday Smith (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against the 76ers.

Impact The sore back forced Smith to the sidelines Tuesday, and his minutes were divvied up amongst Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker and Aaron Nesmith. It'll be more of the same if he's out again Thursday.

JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for remainder of game Smith (back) won't play in Tuesday's game versus the Nuggets.

Impact Despite not appearing on Indiana's injury report, a sore lower back will prevent Smith from appearing in Tuesday's contest. His next chance to suit up is Thursday's matchup with Philadelphia.

JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to play Tuesday Smith is dealing with a sore lower back and is questionable to play in Tuesday's game versus Denver, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Impact Smith wasn't on Indiana's injury report ahead of Tuesday's contest but has yet to check into the game due to lower back soreness. If Smith is unable to take the floor, Obi Toppin will likely receive increased playing time.

JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Provides spark off bench in defeat Smith finished with 15 points (5-5 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 2-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal over 19 minutes during Sunday's 117-110 loss to the Suns.

Impact Smith led all bench players in Sunday's contest in scoring while tallying a team-high-tying steals total and ending as one of three Pacers with 15 or more points. Smith has recorded 15 or more points in four games this season, his second such performance while coming off the bench.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Joins second unit Smith will come off the bench for Friday's game against Portland, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Impact Smith will make way for Pascal Siakam as he joins the starting lineup in his debut. Smith's fantasy value could potentially take a big hit with Siakam in town, although he has been playing very well. In his most recent outing against the Kings on Thursday, Smith produced 17 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, one block and one triple in 25 minutes.

JANUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

NBA Trade Talk: Would the Pacers Part Ways with Jalen Smith After Acquiring Pascal Siakam? Now that Pascal Siakam is in Indiana as a starter in the frontcourt, could the OKC Thunder go after Jalen Smith?

JANUARY 19 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Shines against Kings on Thursday Smith registered 17 points (6-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist and one block across 25 minutes during Thursday's 126-121 win over Sacramento.

Impact Smith made his 12th straight start for Indiana, and he put together his best game of the campaign with a season-high mark in both points and rebounds. Those numbers led to the Maryland product's second double-double of the season -- his other such performance came all the way back on Nov. 8 against Utah. Smith has managed decent numbers when starting this season, but he'll likely slide back to a reserve role once Pascal Siakam is ready so suit up following Wednesday's trade with Toronto.

JANUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Will return Friday Smith (back) is available for Friday's game against the Hawks, Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Impact Smith and Aaron Nesmith (shins) have both been upgraded from questionable to available and will likely slot back into the starting lineup. Smith has started his last eight appearances, averaging 10.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in 22.0 minutes per game during that stretch.

JANUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy against Atlanta Smith (back) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Hawks.

Impact Smith is in danger of missing his second straight game Friday due to a sore lower back. If Smith is ruled out, Obi Toppin will likely draw another start.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Late scratch Wednesday Smith is listed as out for Wednesday's game versus the Wizards due to lower back soreness.

Impact Despite not appearing on the injury report all day, Smith is a last-minute scratch for Wednesday's contest. Obi Toppin will likely receive increased minutes in his absence. Smith's next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with Atlanta.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Top rebounder in near double-double Smith posted 11 points (3-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, three blocks and one assist over 27 minutes in Monday's 133-131 win over Boston.

Impact Smith led all Pacers in rebounds and blocks while finishing as one of seven players with a double-digit point total and ending one board short of a double-double in a winning effort. Smith has hauled in nine or more rebounds in three games this year, reaching double figures in scoring in all three of those contests. He has now posted a double-digit point total in seven of his last 10 appearances.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Plays well in starting role Smith finished with 12 points (5-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 23 minutes during Tuesday's 123-117 victory over Houston.

Impact Smith made his first start of the season Tuesday, moving into the opening unit in place of Obi Toppin. Smith did well with the opportunity, nearing a double-double with 12 points and eight rebounds while adding a pair of blocked shots. It remains to be seen if the move will be permanent, so fantasy managers may want to wait to see how things unfold before rushing to the waiver wire. That said, Smith certainly has upside, as he's averaged 23.8 points, 12.5 boards, 1.9 assists and 2.8 three-pointers on a per-36-minute basis this season while shooting 69.5 percent from the field.

DECEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Houston Smith will start Tuesday's game against Houston, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.

Impact The Pacers are making a couple changes to their starting lineup, one of which will be Smith replacing Obi Toppin. Smith has been dealing with injuries for most of December, but he looked terrific Saturday against the Magic. In just 15 minutes, he put up 11 points, two rebounds, one assist and three triples on 4-of-5 shooting from the field.

DECEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Saturday Smith (heel) will play against the Magic on Saturday, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Impact Smith has missed 10 of the past 11 games due to a left knee bone bruise and left heel contusion, but he will be able to suit up against Orlando. Smith getting healthy will be a significant development for the Pacers, as he was looking like a key role player to begin the season, holding averages of 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds in just 14.9 minutes per game through 15 contests.

DECEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Saturday Smith (heel/knee) is questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Magic.

Impact Dealing with a left knee bone bruise and left heel contusion, Smith has missed 10 of the past 11 games. Even if he's cleared to play Saturday, he could be on a minutes limit.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Thursday Smith (heel/knee) will not play in Thursday's game against the Grizzlies, Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Impact Thursday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set. Smith had just returned from a nine-game absence Wednesday, and coach Rick Carlisle said he's taking it easy on Smith to alleviate some soreness. It sounds like Smith should be ready for Saturday's game against Orlando.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Thursday Smith (heel/knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game versus the Grizzlies.

Impact Smith played eight minutes in Wednesday's contest after missing the previous nine games with a heel injury. However, the 23-year-old big man is also now listed with a left knee bruise and could miss the second leg of Indiana's back-to-back Thursday.

DECEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to suit up Smith (heel) is available for Wednesday's game against the Hornets, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Impact Smith is cleared to play for the first time since Nov. 27. With Myles Turner (hamstrings) and Isaiah Jackson both available, Smith should be relegated to a modest bench role in his return to game action.

DECEMBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Spotted at practice Smith (heel) was spotted participating in Tuesday's practice, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Impact Smith hasn't played since Nov. 27 due to a left heel bruise, but he's nearing a return to game action. With Smith and Myles Turner (hamstrings) banged up recently, Isaiah Jackson has garnered a larger role, but the rotation could revert to normal soon.

DECEMBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Monday Smith (heel) is ruled out for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Impact It was reported earlier in the week that Smith had started doing things on the court and was nearing a return, but he remains unavailable on Monday. Isaiah Jackson will continue to see extended minutes behind Myles Turner.

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nearing return Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Wednesday that Smith (heel) has started to do things on the court and could return to action within the next 10 days, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianap...

Impact Smith has missed Indiana's last seven games due to a left heel contusion and has already been ruled out for Wednesday's contest. Based on Carlisle's comments, Smith can also be ruled out from the Pacers' back-to-back against the Wizards and Timberwolves on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

DECEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will remain out Wednesday Smith (heel) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Bucks.

Impact Smith is slated to miss a seventh straight game. In Smith's absence, Isaiah Jackson has operated as Myles Turner's primary backup. Smith's next chance to suit up will come Friday in Washington.

DECEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will remain out Monday Smith (heel) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against the Pistons.

Impact Smith will miss a sixth straight game due to a left heel bruise. His next chance to suit up will come Wednesday in Milwaukee. In Smith's absence, Isaiah Jackson is a candidate for more minutes behind Myles Turner.

DECEMBER 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play in Las Vegas Smith (heel) won't play in Thursday's semifinal matchup of the In-Season Tournament against the Bucks and would be sidelined for the championship Saturday if Indiana advances, Scot...

Impact Smith is reportedly improving and did light running and shooting Wednesday, but he'll remain out for at least a few more days. His next chance to suit up will come Monday in Detroit. In Smith's absence, Obi Toppin has been playing extended minutes.

DECEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE