Jabari Smith Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is back on the injury report after initially being removed when it first came out. The second-year forward is still dealing with some lingering effects of the ankle sprain that he suffered a few games back. The fact that he popped up on the report later than normal as questionable isn't the best sign for his chances to play against the Charlotte Hornets. If he has to remain sidelined for a third consecutive game, Jeff Green would likely remain in the starting five while Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Jock Landale would all see some more minutes coming off of the bench. If Smith plays, however, Landale and Whitmore wouldn't be great starts in this contest.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is not spotted on the team's injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Out for back-to-back games due to a sprained left ankle, Smith is cleared to return against the Hornets on Friday. The 2022 first-rounder is bringing in top-100 fantasy numbers in his second season with the Rockets, tallying 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.7 treys, and 0.8 blocks per game. Jeff Green will slide back to Houston's second unit to free up Smith's starting spot.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) won't play on Sunday against the Boston Celtics. The 20-year-old logged 41 minutes in Saturday's overtime win over the Utah Jazz, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds. However, Smith tweaked his left ankle during the extra quarter, although he downplayed the severity of the ailment. At any rate, it's possible the Rockets could be without him for at least a few more games. Houston also won't have Fred VanVleet, so Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Alperen Sengun could benefit significantly on the scoring end. In addition, Aaron Holiday and Jae'Sean Tate could see more streaming interest from fantasy managers, considering both men will likely enter the starting lineup versus Boston.

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's meeting with Detroit. Smith Jr. missed his first game of the season Friday versus Philadelphia due to a left ankle sprain. It looks like his absence could be limited to only one game, but it's not fully certain Smith Jr. can return against Detroit. With Dillon Brooks (oblique) also sidelined, Jae'Sean Tate and Jeff Green have jumped into the starting unit. They could be in line for even more extra work on Monday, as Tari Eason (leg) is also questionable for the contest.