National Basketball Association

Jason Smith returns for New Orleans Hornets

Published Feb. 7, 2011 8:18 p.m. ET

foxsports

Hornets 7-footer Jason Smith is suiting up against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

New Orleans coach Monty Williams says Smith, who was out with an illness against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, is active but will be a reserve Monday night rather than returning to his recent role as a fill-in starter for injured center Emeka Okafor. Williams says fellow 7-footer Aaron Gray is starting a second straight game at center.

The Hornets also are without starting small forward Trevor Ariza, who is missing his second consecutive game with a sprained right ankle.

Minnesota forward Martell Webster is missing a second straight game with back spams and point guard Luke Ridnour is out for the fourth game in a row due to a family matter.