Overview
- Austin Reaves is expected to miss about a month after re-aggravating a calf injury on Christmas against the Rockets.
- Before facing the Kings, J.J. Redick said Nick Smith Jr. will receive consistent minutes for the foreseeable future.
- Smith answered with 21 points off the bench in a win over Sacramento, starting 7-for-7 and hitting 5-of-10 from deep while handling lead-guard possessions.
- With guard depth thinned, Smith is slated to be the primary backup in the backcourt behind Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart.
- A 2023 first-round pick on a two-way deal, Smith has appeared in 12 games with 41% three-point shooting, a 25-point outing in Portland, and development stints with South Bay.