After missing the final three games of the preseason, Houston Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. is set to play in the regular-season opener on the road versus the Atlanta Hawks.
Smith sustained a sprained left ankle on the final play of practice on Oct. 5 when he stepped on the foot of center Bruno Fernando. It wasn’t thought to be a serious injury, but the team opted to hold him out of action as a precautionary measure.
The third pick eventually returned to practice and is set to make his official debut on Wednesday. The contest will serve as a homecoming for Smith, who grew up just outside of Atlanta. He estimated he’ll have plenty of friends and family in attendance.
Rockets coach Stephen Silas said Smith is ready, via Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets.
I’m excited for him. There is just so much excitement to be a rookie, to be in the starting lineup and all of that stuff but to be home as well, that is just another layer. I’m excited for him. I want him to enjoy the moment and not put too much pressure on himself.
It is real cool. When I saw the schedule come out, I was really excited. A lot of people were texting me telling me they were going to be at the game to support me. It is a little homecoming so I’m excited about it.
Smith dazzled in his preseason debut on Oct. 2, recording 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists in a win over the San Antonio Spurs. He went 8-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in 24 minutes of work.
He missed the opportunity to build chemistry with his teammates during the preseason but still felt like he learned a lot being around the team in practice. He feels ready for his first game despite not playing.
“I feel like all of my jitters went away after summer league and playing my first preseason game so it is just basketball,” Smith said. “I’m really just excited about it and ready.”
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