JALEN SMITH NEWS

Dealing with knee sprain Smith is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Celtics due to a left knee sprain.

Impact Smith posted eight points (4-7 FG), two rebounds, one steal and one block in 16 minutes during Monday's loss to the Bulls, but he apparently tweaked his knee during the contest as well. The severity isn't yet known, but if Smith is sidelined, Isaiah Jackson, Aaron Nesmith and Daniel Theis would be candidates for slightly increased playing time off the bench behind Myles Turner.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Approaches double-double off bench Smith accumulated 13 points (5-6 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds and one steal over 13 minutes during Wednesday's 143-120 victory over the Wizards.

Impact Smith came off the bench Wednesday but saw a decent role in the blowout victory. The 23-year-old was efficient from the floor and came within two rebounds of posting a double-double. He averaged 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game over 68 appearances last year, and it appears as though he'll serve as the Pacers' primary backup at center to begin the year after Daniel Theis didn't see any playing time Wednesday.

OCTOBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for finale Smith (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Knicks.

Impact Smith didn't participate in Friday's game versus the Pistons due to some knee soreness, though it's also possible he was getting some late-season rest on a Pacers squad that has been eliminated from the playoffs for a bit. Should he return to action in the finale, Smith could play a larger role than usual, depending on the status of other regulars in Indiana's rotation.

APRIL 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Friday Smith is questionable for Friday's game against the Pistons due to right knee soreness.

Impact Smith has started three of the last five matchups, averaging 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in 25.2 minutes per game. It's unclear whether his knee injury will prevent him from suiting up, but if he's available, his role will depend on whether Myles Turner (back) is able to return from his six-game absence.

APRIL 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Posts strong offensive game Smith ended with 19 points (8-11 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, three blocks and two steals across 26 minutes during Wednesday's 138-129 loss to the Knicks.

Impact With Myles Turner (back) missing six straight games, Smith and Isaiah Jackson have split the starting job evenly with three each. Neither center has topped 30 minutes in this stretch, making the starting role mostly irrelevant. Smith's 19 points led the Pacers, as he has scored in double figures in six straight games. The 23-year-old has had solid block numbers, but he doesn't provide value in many other categories. Smith has double-digit rebounds in just one of his last 30 games.

APRIL 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Posts double-double as starter Smith finished Friday's 121-117 victory over the Thunder with 12 points (5-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-3 FT), 15 rebounds, one assist and one block in 29 minutes.

Impact Smith made the most of his second start in the last three games, leading the game in rebounds en route to his eighth double-double of the campaign. Smith continues to receive increased run with Myles Turner (back) sidelined, averaging 12.8 points and 8.5 boards over 24.5 minutes in that four-game span. The Pacers have minimal incentive to get Turner back on the floor, so Smith could continue to see heavy usage over the final four games of the regular season.

APRIL 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to starting lineup Smith is in the starting five for Friday's game versus the Thunder, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Impact Smith will replace Isaiah Jackson in the starting lineup Friday. Smith is averaging 10.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 22.5 minutes across his previous 29 starts this season.

MARCH 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Strong performance off bench Smith had 14 points (4-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds and four assists across 23 minutes during Thursday's 139-123 victory over the Bucks.

Impact Smith operated as the primary backup big man and played at least 20 minutes for the fourth time over his past five appearances. During that stretch, he's averaging 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks in 21.6 minutes. Smith appears to have a firm grasp on the top frontcourt reserve gig, but his minutes will likely start to fall as Myles Turner works his way back to 100 percent following a two-game absence from a back injury.

MARCH 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores game-high 20 Smith contributed 20 points (7-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 25 minutes during Saturday's 121-115 victory over the Pistons.

Impact Smith shredded the Pistons' revolving door of big men. His 25 minutes played, prompted by Myles Turner being inactive (back), matched his most run since Dec. 5. Smith has been an infrequently utilized player lately, but Saturday shows that he can carry streaming appeal when Turner sits.

MARCH 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Steps up in loss Smith finished with 14 points (5-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and two blocks in 21 minutes during Monday's 147-143 loss to Philadelphia.

Impact Myles Turner fouled out in 17 minutes, as he struggled to defend Joel Embiid. As a result, Smith got an opportunity with 21 minutes. He produced on offense with 14 points and defensively with two blocks. But the Pacers backup center spot remains a mystery. Smith had not played in the last two games, likely making Monday's performance an anomaly.

MARCH 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Jalen Smith takes advantage of backup center minutes in Indiana Pacers win over Orlando Magic Smith had a career-high in blocks on Saturday night

FEBRUARY 26, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Logs 20 minutes Saturday Smith closed Saturday's 121-108 win over Orlando with seven points (3-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt), seven rebounds and five blocks across 20 minutes.

Impact Smith played as the primary backup behind Myles Turner, a role that appears to be fluent from night to night. To put this in perspective, Smith had played in only four of the previous 10 games, logging no more than eight minutes in any of those games. The five blocks marked a season high in that category, but, much like his playing time, should be viewed as an outlier as opposed to what we can expect moving forward.

FEBRUARY 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Left off injury report Smith (illness) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game versus Phoenix.

Impact Smith appears good to go Friday after being ruled out early for Wednesday's matchup with the Heat due to a non-COVID illness. The 22-year-old forward has played in only two of the Pacers' last seven games.

FEBRUARY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will not return Wednesday Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Heat due to a non-COVID illness.

Impact Smith had yet to see the court Wednesday despite being ruled out after halftime, so his absence will likely have no impact on the rotation. Smith's next chance to play will come Friday against Phoenix.

FEBRUARY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores nine points in 16 minutes Smith finished Friday's 134-111 loss to the Nuggets with nine points (4-10 FG, 1-4 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one steal over 16 minutes.

Impact Smith played as the primary backup to Myles Turner, a role that is far from secure moving forward. Isaiah Jackson had assumed the role in the three games prior to Friday, but was relegated in this one. It appears as though the coaching staff will make their decision regarding the role based on the individual matchup, making both players hard to trust outside of deeper formats.

JANUARY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not starting Friday Smith will come off the bench for Friday's matchup with the Hawks, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Impact Smith started in the team's previous contest with Aaron Nesmith (illness) absent but will come off the bench Friday even with Myles Turner (back) also sidelined. Coach Rick Carlisle will instead turn to Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson in the frontcourt. However, given the team's various injuries, Smith should still see a sizable workload.

JANUARY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Wednesday Smith will start Wednesday's tilt against the Knicks, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Impact Smith draws the starting nod Wednesday in place of Aaron Nesmith, who is sidelined with a non-COVID illness. With Oshae Brissett (hamstring) also absent, there should be ample opportunities for Smith, who has averaged 10.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in just 20.2 minutes per game this season.

JANUARY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available Sunday Smith (hand) is available for Sunday's matchup against the Hornets, Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Impact Smith will return to action Sunday following a one-game absence due to a hand injury. Over his previous 14 appearances (three starts), the backup big man has averaged 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.9 minutes.

JANUARY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Sunday Smith (hand) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Hornets.

Impact Smith missed Friday's game against the Trail Blazers but could return Sunday. He's been coming off the bench since mid-December after beginning the year as a starter.

JANUARY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't practice Saturday Smith (hand) did not practice Saturday, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Impact Smith sat out Friday's game against the Trail Blazers due to right hand soreness. Coach Rick Carlisle noted that Smith will probably be listed as questionable and could be a game-time call for Sunday's game against the Hornets.

JANUARY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play against Portland Smith is out for Friday's game versus the Trail Blazers due to right hand soreness.

Impact Smith is a late scratch Friday and will miss his second game of the season. Isaiah Jackson, Goga Bitadze and Oshae Brissett are candidates to receive extended playing time in his absence. Smith's next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Charlotte.

JANUARY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Double-double off bench Smith racked up 11 points (5-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes off the bench during Monday's 122-114 victory over the Raptors.

Impact The third-year forward led the Pacers in rebounding en route to his sixth double-double of the season and his second in the last six games. Smith's role is too inconsistent to rely on him in season-long fantasy formats, but he has some appeal as a DFS dart throw when in the right matchup.

JANUARY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Falls out of rotation Monday Smith had zero points (0-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt) over six minutes during Monday's 113-93 loss to the Pelicans.

Impact Coming into the contest, Smith had posted 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 assists in 15.5 minutes over his past eight games (three starts), including a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double in Indiana's previous contest. However, he fell out of the rotation Monday, as Isaiah Jackson (15), Oshae Brissett (12), Goga Bitadze (11), James Johnson (seven) and Terry Taylor (seven) all played more minutes than Smith. The reasoning behind Smith's lack of playing time is unclear, but it's certainly a situation worth monitoring moving forward.

DECEMBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Set to play Monday Smith (ankle) will play Monday against the Pelicans, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.

Impact Smith was originally listed as questionable, but he will be available and could very well come off the bench, as he did in five of Indiana's last six games. The former Maryland product is averaging 8.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in December.

DECEMBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Monday Smith has been listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Pelicans due to a left ankle sprain.

Impact Smith has come off the bench in five of Indiana's last six games but has struggled to produce consistently, as he has scored in double digits just once in that span. The former Maryland product is averaging 8.8 points with 5.3 rebounds per game in December, and if he can't play Monday, Oshae Brissett and Isaiah Jackson would be in line to get more minutes.

DECEMBER 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE