Jabari Smith Cleared to Play Wednesday, Rockets Forward Returns to Starting Lineup After Injury Scare

Jabari Smith has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against Cleveland, avoiding his second missed game of the season due to a knee injury. The 2022 third overall pick will resume his usual role in the starting lineup. Through 11 games this season, Smith has averaged 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 33.0 minutes per contest. Smith signed a two-year, $18.21 million contract with the Rockets in July 2022, with team options for 2024-25 and 2025-26 already exercised. A highly touted prospect from Auburn, where he averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds as a freshman, Smith continues to be a key piece for the Houston Rockets.