Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (illness) has been ruled out for the rest of Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. He didn't suit up at all during the first half due to a non-COVID related illness. It appears the Pacers are going to take the cautious approach and completely hold Smith out on Wednesday. His absence should mean increased playing time for veteran forward Daniel Theis. This shouldn't have much of an impact in fantasy hoops right now.

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (hand) is questionable ahead of Sunday's contest against the Hornets. He didn't play on Friday versus the Portland Trail Blazers because of hand soreness and didn't practice on Saturday, so things aren't looking favorable. Oshae Brissett, who had five points in 20 minutes in his previous appearance, should continue to see additional work if Smith can't suit up. However, Brissett won't offer much to fantasy managers, especially with Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, and Buddy Hield doing most of the heavy lifting on the offensive end.

Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith sustained a facial injury in Wednesday's loss to Sacramento. He was having a great night with 22 points in 19 minutes before the team ruled him out with a facial contusion. Smith added six rebounds and a block on the night. The 22-year-old tends to be inconsistent, but he's had a solid campaign overall and will be a big miss if Smith is forced to spend some time on the sidelines. The Pacers return to action Friday versus Utah, and for now, managers should consider Smith questionable for the game. His absence would allow Oshae Brissett and Isaiah Jackson to play extended minutes.

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (knee) has been cleared to suit up for Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The 22-year-old exited after only seven minutes due to right knee soreness. Luckily, it sounds like Smith is good to go here and shouldn't be limited during this second game in a back-to-back set. His return is likely to limit the upside of Isaiah Jackson. The expectation is that Smith is going to have a full workload during Saturday's game.

Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (knee) is considered questionable for Saturday's matchup against Detroit. His night ended early Friday against the Spurs when he took a blow to the face, but he's actually listed as questionable with a sore right knee. He was also questionable for Friday's action with the same knee problem, so it seems like a pretty encouraging sign that Smith will be able to play against the Pistons. He will provide much-needed frontcourt presence for an Indiana team that is already missing Myles Turner (ankle) and Daniel Theis (knee).

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. The big man is dealing with right knee soreness, although it's unknown how severe the issue is. The 22-year-old is expected to have a breakout season, mainly after averaging 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 45.5% from deep in eight starts in 2021-22. Nevertheless, if Smith isn't out there for the opener, Oshae Brissett, who has double-double upside, will likely take his place at the four spot.

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith decided to stick around with the organization this offseason. He signed a two-year deal with the team, which could end up being a great move by Smith. Recently, head coach Rick Carlisle mentioned that Smith signed here to be the starting power forward. It's worth noting that the Pacers have Myles Turner, Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson who should all be in the mix as well. However, Turner is likely to be traded and the other two big men usually play center. It sounds like Smith could be getting legitimate playing time next season. That should be good for his fantasy outlook, but it remains to be seen what Carlisle does with his rotations.

Power forward Jalen Smith is returning to the Indiana Pacers on a two-year deal worth $9.6 million, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Smith was dealt to Indiana at the Trade Deadline this past year, which allowed him elevated playing time; he utilized that opportunity to average 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds, all while shooting 53.1 percent overall. Chosen with the 10th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, Smith boasts considerable upside, a fact the Pacers are banking on with potential changes still to come in their frontcourt. His true fantasy outlook remains to be determined, but a return to Indiana bodes well for his value.

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He wasn't originally on the injury report, but is reportedly dealing with a non-COVID related illness. Isaiah Jackson (head) will join Smith on the sideline for Thursday's game. Goga Bitadze should make another start and get as many minutes as he can handle. He'll be a strong streaming option while Oshae Brissett is worth a look as well for Thursday's game.

Indiana Pacers center Jalen Smith (illness), who sat out with a non-COVID illness on Wednesday, is not on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Keep in mind that he also wasn't on Wednesday's injury report until about 90 minutes before tip-off, when the team suddenly ruled him out with an illness. As of now, he's in. But stay tuned. Isaiah Jackson (head) returned from a two-game absence due to a concussion on Wednesday, then left Wednesday's game with what the team called a "headache." He is officially out on Thursday. The final piece of the puzzle is Goga Bitadze (foot), who is questionable with a sore right foot. He played through the injury on Wednesday and racked up 20 points and nine boards over 29 minutes. He's a must-start player if he's active. Smith is also someone who is basically a must-start, and his value increases even more if Bitadze sits.

Indiana Pacers power forward/center Jalen Smith (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings. According to the Pacers' Twitter account, Smith came down with an illness. This was a late development as Smith hadn't been on the team's injury throughout the day on Wednesday. Isaiah Jackson (head) is returning to the court after a two-game absence on Wednesday and Goga Bitadze (foot) will be in the lineup as well. Jackson is a must-start in all fantasy formats while Bitadze is someone worth starting in most leagues as well.

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (head) may not play against Portland. Smith sustained a head contusion during Friday's matchup against the Houston Rockets and didn't return, which was unfortunate considering he had a double-double throughout only 13 minutes of action. Nevertheless, Isaiah Jackson (concussion) has already been ruled out, and Goga Bitadze (foot) is questionable, so if Smith is out there on Sunday, he'll be a popular value option for DFS managers. Yet, if he or Bitadze don't suit up, Terry Taylor and Oshae Brissett would be in the running for more work.

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith was unable to finish Monday's game against the Orlando Magic. He picked up a pair of technical fouls, which resulted in him being ejected from the contest. Smith finished with 14 points and eight rebounds in 25 minutes. He has looked good since joining the Pacers and should get plenty of playing time in the second half of the season. Goga Bitadze and Oshae Brissett will likely be asked to pick up the slack with Smith sidelined for the rest of this contest.

Phoenix Suns forward Jalen Smith has been traded to the Indiana Pacers. In exchange, the Suns will receive forward Torrey Craig, while also giving up a second-round pick to Indiana. This move helps the Suns add more depth and Craig has played enough in Phoenix in the past. Although, Craig doesn't offer much fantasy value off the bench and can be ignored in most formats. Smith was playing well earlier in the season for Phoenix when they were without Deandre Ayton. However, he doesn't have much of a role with Ayton back in the picture. The Pacers recently moved Domantas Sabonis, so they could use some help down low. It seems likely that the Pacers give Smith a good look with the youth movement going on in Indiana. He could be worth a look in fantasy formats as a flier.

Phoenix Suns forward Jalen Smith will join the starting five for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. He nearly double-doubled on Monday and followed that up with 11 points and 14 rebounds on Wednesday. The Suns are without their main big men, so Smith has been asked to step up. He is making the most of his chances and is an excellent streaming option and DFS choice for Friday's slate.

Phoenix Suns forward Jalen Smith (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The young forward will sit this one out due to a non-COVID related illness. Starting center Deandre Ayton (illness) remains listed as questionable, which means JaVale McGee could have plenty of streaming value here. McGee should already have an increased role with Smith unavailable on Tuesday. He is someone worth looking at as a cheap option for DFS contests.

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have assigned rookie forward Jalen Smith to the NBA's G League. The No. 10 overall draft pick out of Maryland hasn't played much this season for the Suns, who have won six consecutive games and have a 17-9 record. The 20-year-old has appeared in eight games and is averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds. Smith was inactive for Sunday night's game against the Magic. The Suns recently had several players return from injuries, which made the 6-foot-10 Smith's path to playing time even harder. Smith will play for the Agua Caliente Clippers, which is the affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers. The league's games are being played this season near Orlando, Florida, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. ___ More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports