Jabari

Smith

Smith took advantage of Alperen Şengün’s absence due to an illness, recording a complete stat line while shooting better than 50 percent from the field. While he has reached double figures in scoring in 13 straight games, Saturday’s defeat was the third in which Smith scored at least 20 points. While he is providing top-100 value, Smith has a limited ceiling due to the presence of Şengün and Kevin Durant.

Smith Jr. tallied another double-digit scoring performance, marking his 18th in 19 games this season — he didn’t get many looks at the rim on Friday but made the most of his opportunities. There wasn’t much production elsewhere for the fourth-year forward against Phoenix, but it wasn’t needed in the lopsided win. He’ll have a chance to find more production on Saturday against Dallas.

Smith Jr. finished Wednesday as one of the Rockets’ leading scorers despite not shooting a great percentage. He did have success from the three-point line, but wasn’t able to land much production elsewhere. Yet, even with an unspectacular Wednesday performance, the fourth-year forward is putting together his highest-scoring and most efficient three-point shooting season of his career. He’ll have a chance to log better numbers against the Jazz on Sunday.

Due to knee issues, Smith and Adams were initially questionable for Friday’s game. They’re both available and will start as part of a massive Rockets lineup. This is the second consecutive game that head coach Ime Udoka has gone with this lineup, first doing so in Wednesday’s win over the Cavaliers.

Smith was initially questionable for Wednesday’s win over the Cavaliers, but he started and played 31 minutes. If he can play against the Nuggets, the Rockets forward will be in line for a similar workload. If Smith can’t play, Reed Sheppard becomes a player of greater importance despite not playing the same position.

Smith is good to go after being considered questionable on Houston’s initial injury report. He will shift up a position for Wednesday’s matchup, with Josh Okogie moving to the bench in favor of Steven Adams.

Smith most recently played 43 minutes in Sunday’s overtime win over the Magic, and his absence would leave a hole in the Rockets’ starting lineup. If he cannot play, Steven Adams is a potential replacement in the starting lineup, especially considering the matchup. Reed Sheppard may also see his minutes increase and should be rostered in 12-team leagues.

It’s early, but Smith has started this season out well and is currently posting career-highs in points, three-pointers and field goal percentage. This was his second 20-point game of the season, and he matched his season-high for three-pointers. Smith has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup for the Rockets, and while he hasn’t had many big performances, he has been a steady performer.

Smith is back after a one-game absence. He’ll regain his place in the starting lineup, with Tari Eason heading back to the bench. While his fantasy ceiling is lowered when used in a reserve role, Eason should still be rostered in 12-team leagues.

Smith did not play in Monday’s win over the Mavericks, and Tari Eason replaced him in the starting lineup. If Smith cannot return on Wednesday, Eason will retain that role, raising his fantasy ceiling.