Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith is expected to decline his $5.4 million player option for the 2024 season. This doesn't come as a surprise considering Smith should be able to earn much more than that in free agency. Smith posted career highs in field goal percentage and three-point percentage last season. He took a solid step forward during his fourth season and should have no shortage of suitors this offseason. Smith should be able to produce reliable fantasy value with basically any organization.
"Early Belief" Jalen Smith Will Decline Player Option
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, there's an "early belief" that Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith will decline his $5.4 million player option and enter free agency this offseason. The 2020 No. 10 overall pick has spent the last three seasons with the Pacers. He averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks during the 2021-22 campaign. However, his production has trended downward since. Smith saw limited action for the Pacers in 2023-24. Yet, in his 14 starts, he averaged 11.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. It's evident Smith can be productive, so a change of scenery could do wonders for his fantasy value heading toward the regular season.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's season finale against the Atlanta Hawks due to a left ankle sprain. The Pacers frontcourt could be light as Isaiah Jackson (hamstring) and Obi Toppin (ankle) are also questionable. Smith, on Friday, coming off the bench, posted 11 points, six rebounds, and two steals in 20 minutes on the court versus the Cavs.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (back) will play on Monday against Toronto. He returned to action from a four-game absence on Sunday versus Dallas and is good to go again against the Raptors, despite being initially regarded as questionable for the game with lower back spasms. Smith is a very effective player but typically doesn't receive a lot of playing time behind Indiana's starting center Myles Turner. He had eight points and five rebounds in 19 minutes in his only previous appearance against the Raptors this season.
Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against the visiting Pistons. The 23-year-old missed the Pacers' three games entering the All-Star break because of back spasms, so hopefully, the extra time off allowed him time to get things right. Smith has averaged 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds this season, so he's worthy of starting consideration in some fantasy setups. However, if he doesn't return versus Detroit, Isaiah Jackson should benefit. That said, Jackson will have a tough time doing anything meaningful for fantasy managers with Myles Turner (illness) off the injury report for Thursday.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (back) won't play on Wednesday versus the Toronto Raptors. The 23-year-old, averaging 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds this season, has missed the last two games because of back spasms. However, the Pacers will enter the All-Star break after Wednesday's contest, so there's a good chance Smith will return for the February 22 clash with the Pistons. Of course, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner get most of the work underneath the rim, although Smith's absence will allow Isaiah Jackson and Obi Toppin to get extra work.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (back) won't play on Monday against Charlotte. Statistically, the 23-year-old is having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds. Unfortunately, he's missed time throughout the 2023-24 campaign, which has been a source of frustration for fantasy managers. Nonetheless, without Smith in the mix, Obi Toppin and Isaiah Jackson should see extra work. However, neither player is consistent for fantasy managers.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (back) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Knicks. The 23-year-old has been a regular on the injury report lately with lower back spasms, and he couldn't complete Thursday's matchup versus Golden State due to the issue. Smith exited following a very impressive 13-minute stint during which he produced 14 points and five rebounds with 6-for-6 shooting. Isaiah Jackson can be a good per-minute producer as well, and he's set for a larger role if Smith can't play on Saturday.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against Golden State. He's had a lengthy spell on the injury report with lower back spasms and still hasn't shaken off the ailment. However, Smith has played in seven of the past eight games, indicating that it's not a very serious issue. The 23-year-old is a valued member of the second unit but only a useful piece for teams in deep leagues in fantasy basketball. He's averaging 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds for the year.
Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (back) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Houston Rockets. This is good news after Smith was listed as questionable coming into this game due to back spasms. It doesn't sound like Smith is going to be limited at all due to these back issues. However, his value isn't as reliable anymore with Pascal Siakam in town. Smith is more of a deep league option with his new role off the bench.
