NICK SMITH JR. NEWS

Will play Sunday Smith (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Bulls.

Impact Smith has been upgraded from questionable to available and will suit up Sunday following a two-game absence. In his past 12 appearances (one start), Smith has averaged 12.1 points, 2.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 25.4 minutes per game.

11 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Sunday Smith (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bulls.

Impact Smith is in danger of missing a third straight game for the Hornets due to a sprained left ankle. If he's unable to play against Chicago, Charlotte will likely turn to Josh Okogie to help shoulder the load in the backcourt.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Vucevic and the Bulls visit conference foe Charlotte

The Hornets will host conference foe Chicago

1 DAY AGO • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Downgraded to out Smith (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.

Impact Smith missed Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to a left ankle sprain, and the guard will also miss this one due to the same problem. Smith has started in 25 of his 56 appearances with the Hornets this season, averaging 9.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. His next chance to suit up will come Sunday against the Bulls.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Friday Smith (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Kings.

Impact After missing Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to an ankle issue, Smith is in danger of missing a second straight game for Charlotte on Friday against Sacramento. Josh Okogie might have to help pick up the slack if Smith is ultimately ruled out.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Sacramento plays Charlotte, aims to stop road skid

Sacramento will aim to break its seven-game road losing streak when the Kings visit Charlotte

3 DAYS AGO • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ruled out against Indiana Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

Impact Smith is dealing with a left ankle issue, which will keep him sidelined in Indiana. The Hornets will likely turn to Damion Baugh and Josh Okogie to help shoulder the load in the backcourt.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to questionable Smith (ankle) has been downgraded from probable to questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

Impact This is tough news for Charlotte, as Miles Bridges (illness) is also iffy to suit up. Smith has played an average of 28.1 minutes over his last seven games, so his potential absence could open up a big opportunity for others. Players such as Damion Baugh and Josh Okogie could potentially step into larger roles for Charlotte if Smith sits out.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Probable for Wednesday Smith (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

Impact The left ankle injury is a new concern for Smith, who hasn't missed an outing since Feb. 9. However, the 20-year-old is still likely to suit up against Indiana. Smith has averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 assists, 2.6 three-pointers and 2.0 rebounds across 28.6 minutes per game in his last five outings (one start).

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Pops for 19 off bench Smith finished with 19 points (7-16 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists across 35 minutes off the bench during Sunday's 98-94 loss to the Pelicans.

Impact The second-year guard continues to provide a long-distance spark for the Hornets. Smith has scored double-digit points in seven of the last nine games (one start), averaging 14.6 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 threes and 2.6 boards in 27.8 minutes a contest while shooting 46.3 percent from beyond the arc.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Paolo Banchero scores 32 points to lead Magic to 111-104 win over Hornets

Paolo Banchero scored 32 points, Franz Wagner had 26 points and the Orlando used a late run for a 111-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets

MARCH 26 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Moving back to bench role Smith is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Magic.

Impact Smith made a spot start Sunday and posted 19 points, three rebounds and three assists against the Heat, but he'll return to his regular bench role for this matchup as LaMelo Ball and DaQuan Jeffries will start on the backcourt. Smith has been playing well in recent weeks regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. He's averaging 2.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game across 13 appearances in March (five starts).

MARCH 25 • ROTOWIRE

Delivers 19-point output Smith chipped in 19 points (7-14 FG, 5-9 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists and one steal across 38 minutes during Sunday's 122-105 loss to the Heat.

Impact Smith led the Hornets in scoring in this loss, which is impressive since the likes of LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams were also in the starting lineup. Smith has scored in double digits in five of his last six outings despite starting just once in that stretch, and he's averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.2 steals per game since the beginning of March.

MARCH 24 • ROTOWIRE

Wiggins scores 42 points and Heat roll past Hornets 122-105 to snap 10-game losing streak

Andrew Wiggins scored 42 points for the second-highest scoring game of his career, Tyler Herro added 29 and the Miami Heat beat the Charlotte Hornets 122-105 to snap a 10-game losi...

MARCH 24 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Moves into starting lineup Smith will start Sunday's game against the Heat.

Impact Smith will slide into the starting lineup due to the absence of Josh Green (shoulder). As a starter this season, Smith has averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game.

MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE

Solid output off bench Friday Smith amassed 14 points (5-14 FG, 4-9 3Pt) and three assists over 26 minutes during Friday's 141-106 loss to the Thunder.

Impact The Hornets looked overmatched in this contest, but Smith was one of the few standout performers, especially since he came off the bench to record double-digit points. Smith has scored in double digits off the bench in four of his last five outings, averaging 14.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game over that stretch.

MARCH 22 • ROTOWIRE

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 and Thunder with 5th straight, 141-106 over Hornets

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their fifth in a row, 141-106 over the Charlotte Hornets

MARCH 22 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Notches 13 points Smith closed with 13 points (4-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds and three assists across 27 minutes during Thursday's 115-98 win over the Knicks.

Impact Although Smith has seen a healthy workload in recent games, his fantasy appeal has been limited to deeper formats. Over his last eight games, Smith has averaged 12.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 three-pointers in 24.2 minutes with no blocks or steals during that stretch.

MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets have little trouble in defeating hard-luck Spurs LaMelo Ball racked up 27 points and 15 assists and Nick Smith Jr.scored 22 of his 26 points in the first half as the visiting Charlotte Horn...

MARCH 15 • THESTATE.COM

Torches Spurs for 26 points Smith contributed 26 points (9-12 FG, 6-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and five assists over 27 minutes during Friday's 145-134 win over the Spurs.

Impact Smith's efficient 26 points established a new season high Friday, and he sunk six three-pointers off the bench. The 2023 first-rounder has taken on more usage in the absence of Brandon Miller (wrist), but Smith's shooting efficiency remains poor overall. Across his last 14 outings, Smith has averaged 12.1 points, 2.6 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 three-pointers in 29.7 minutes while shooting 37.7 percent from the field.

MARCH 15 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets make franchise-record 26 3s and Ball has 27 points and 14 assists in 145-134 win over Spurs

LaMelo Ball had 27 points and 14 assists, and the Charlotte Hornets made a franchise-record 26 3-pointers to roll past the San Antonio Spurs 145-134 on Friday night

MARCH 15 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Running with second unit Monday Smith isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Heat.

Impact DaQuan Jeffries will supplant Smith in the starting five for the second time over the club's last three outings. The 20-year-old has appeared in 11 outings (10 starts) since the All-Star break, during which he has averaged 12.1 points, 2.6 assists and 2.1 rebounds across 32.3 minutes per contest.

MARCH 10 • ROTOWIRE

Supplies 19 points Saturday Smith registered 19 points (6-17 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), two rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes during Saturday's 105-102 victory over Brooklyn.

Impact With LaMelo Ball (ankle) sitting out Saturday, Smith supplied a solid scoring effort that trailed only Miles Bridges' 26 points for the Hornets. On occasions when Charlotte chooses to hold Ball out of action down the stretch, Smith should continue to see a bump in playmaking opportunities. Smith has averaged 12.1 points, 2.6 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 three-pointers in 32.2 minutes over 11 games since the All-Star break, but he's shooting just 34.4 percent from the floor and 25.6 percent from downtown.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets close with a 12-0 run to beat the Nets 105-102 and snap a nine-game losing streak

Miles Bridges scored 26 points and the Charlotte Hornets used a finishing 12-0 run to beat the Brooklyn Nets 105-102 on Saturday night and snap a nine-game losing streak

MARCH 9 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Returns to starting five Smith is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus the Nets.

Impact Smith will return to the starting five Saturday after moving to the bench in Charlotte's previous outing. Smith has struggled with his efficiency over his last 10 starting appearances, converting shooting just 33.1 percent from the field.

MARCH 8 • ROTOWIRE