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

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) is expected to miss 4-8 weeks with a fractured left hand, the team announced on Friday, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Smith Jr. was injured during shootaround ahead of Friday's game against Boston. The third-year player averages 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks across 30.9 minutes this season. With Tari Eason (lower leg) also nursing an injury and Amen Thompson suspended, the door is open for Cam Whitmore and Jae'Sean Tate to make a big impact. The former has already had a few impressive outings lately.

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. will miss Monday's game against Portland with a suspension. He was handed a one-game suspension for his altercation with Utah's Kris Dunn on Saturday. Smith Jr's absence will be a major blow for the playoff-chasing Rockets, who have racked up eight consecutive victories. Following Alperen Sengun's (ankle) injury, Smith Jr. has filled the starting center role. With him now sidelined, Jeff Green and Jock Landale should share the minutes at the five positions. Green is the more attractive fantasy option of the two and played great after Smith Jr.'s early exit at the weekend, scoring 21 points and registering four rebounds with a pair of blocks. A meeting with Portland could also be fruitful for him, as the Trail Blazers are allowing opposing centers to shoot 60.6 percent from the field.

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (illness) will play on Wednesday against the Clippers. The talented Auburn product has been battling an illness and initially landed on the injury report with a questionable tag, but he has been upgraded to available. However, how effective Smith Jr. can be remains to be seen. He already struggled to perform in Tuesday's matchup against San Antonio, recording only two points and three rebounds in 25 minutes. Wednesday's matchup is also a tough one for Smith Jr. and the Rockets, as the Clippers have developed into a very good defensive team.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) did not appear on the injury report for their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. The 20-year-old has missed the last four consecutive games due to an ankle sprain, but it seems like he has fully healed now that he doesn't carry an injury designation at all. He should re-enter his role in the starting lineup and can be started in fantasy leagues regardless of size or format. He's made some improvements in traditional stat categories along with his efficiency so far this year. Smith averages 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 threes made, and 1.2 turnovers per game while shooting 47.4% from the floor.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) won't suit up for Saturday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. He'll now be sidelined for a fourth consecutive contest, so his next chance to return will be on Monday versus the visiting Los Angeles Lakers. The 20-year-old is averaging a career-high 13.7 points this season, meaning there will be extra scoring chances up for grabs, which Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet could mostly absorb. At the same time, Jeff Green may remain in the starting lineup, although he's a hit-or-miss fantasy option.