Despite being eliminated from the playoff hunt, the Rockets can and should consider this season a success. Having already won 17 more games than last year, it’s evident this young Houston team is on the rise.
Jabari Smith Jr. is one of the core pieces of this team. The former third overall draft pick performed solidly in his second pro season by averaging 13.9 points per game. Since the All-Star Break, he’s increased his average to 15.4 points.
After center Alperen Sengun went down with a knee injury, Smith has helped to pick up the slack. The Auburn product has cleared this points line in 10 of 14 games without Sengun in the lineup.
Tonight's matchup with the Jazz should offer a chance for Smith to continue his late season surge. Utah will be without bigs Walker Kessler, John Collins and Lauri Markkanen once again, leaving them relatively thin in the frontcourt. Opposing centers have had their way of late, as the Jazz have allowed the sixth-most points to the position over the last 15 games.
While yes, you could say I’m playing with fire as neither team is motivated to win. However, both teams have all but solidified their draft lottery positioning. Smith played 41 minutes against the Magic on Tuesday with the Rockets already eliminated from the playoff picture.
I’ll bank on Smith looking to finish the season strong. I have the Rockets big man projected at 16 points.
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