Smith produced 12 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), two rebounds and two steals in 14 minutes during Thursday's 123-120 victory over the Raptors.
Smith caught fire off the bench despite a limited role. He's been mostly out of the rotation mix, but Luka Doncic's personal absence opened up some breathing room in the backcourt. For now, this game can be chalked up as an outlier, and there's no word as to whether Doncic will miss more time.
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Lakers' Nick Smith: Erupts for 25 points
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Smith accumulated 25 points (10-15 FG, 5-6 3Pt), six assists, two steals and one rebound across 27 minutes during Monday's 123-115 victory over the Trail Blazers.
Smith capitalized on extended minutes Monday with Luka Doncic (rest) and Austin Reaves (groin) sidelined, erupting for over 20 points while knocking down a game-high five three-pointers. The guard, who signed a two-way deal with the Lakers before training camp in September, appeared in 60 games (27 starts) for the Hornets last season, averaging 9.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per contest. While this level of usage isn't likely to continue, Monday's showing was an encouraging example of the offensive spark Smith is capable of providing when given the opportunity.
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Nick Smith: Getting cut by Charlotte
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The Hornets are waiving Smith (groin) on Thursday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
This comes as a bit of a surprise, given that Smith played a relatively significant role for Charlotte a year ago. Over his final 46 outings after the calendar flipped to 2025, he averaged 11.9 points, 2.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game. It shouldn't be long before the 2023 first-rounder latches on with another club this fall. Smith's departure creates a clearer path to playing time for the likes of Tre Mann, Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie for the Hornets.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Out for regular-season finale
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Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Celtics.
Smith won't play in the regular-season finale after suffering a groin injury in Friday's loss to Boston. The second-year guard took advantage of all the injuries in Charlotte this season, finishing the campaign with averages of 9.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 22.8 minutes across 60 appearances (27 starts).
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Iffy to play Sunday
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Smith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Celtics.
Smith suffered a groin injury during the Hornets' loss to the Celtics on Friday, putting him in jeopardy of missing Sunday's rematch. Seth Curry and Jaylen Sims would be in line to see increased minutes if Smith is unable to play.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Impressive double-double
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Smith chipped in 28 points (8-13 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), six rebounds and 10 assists across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 126-96 loss to Toronto.
Smith re-entered the Hornets' starting lineup due to injuries to Josh Okogie (hamstring) and Josh Green (shoulder). Smith took advantage of the opportunity, scoring a game-high 28 points while tying a season high with six three-pointers. It was the first double-double of his two-year NBA career, and his 10 assists were also a career high. Smith had seen his playing time off the bench diminish recently, but his efforts Wednesday could earn him additional playing time over the Hornets' final two games of the 2024-25 regular season.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Iffy for Sunday
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Smith (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bulls.
Smith is in danger of missing a third straight game for the Hornets due to a sprained left ankle. If he's unable to play against Chicago, Charlotte will likely turn to Josh Okogie to help shoulder the load in the backcourt.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Downgraded to out
Rotowire
Smith (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.
Smith missed Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to a left ankle sprain, and the guard will also miss this one due to the same problem. Smith has started in 25 of his 56 appearances with the Hornets this season, averaging 9.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. His next chance to suit up will come Sunday against the Bulls.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Iffy for Friday
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Smith (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Kings.
After missing Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to an ankle issue, Smith is in danger of missing a second straight game for Charlotte on Friday against Sacramento. Josh Okogie might have to help pick up the slack if Smith is ultimately ruled out.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Downgraded to questionable
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Smith (ankle) has been downgraded from probable to questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.
This is tough news for Charlotte, as Miles Bridges (illness) is also iffy to suit up. Smith has played an average of 28.1 minutes over his last seven games, so his potential absence could open up a big opportunity for others. Players such as Damion Baugh and Josh Okogie could potentially step into larger roles for Charlotte if Smith sits out.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Probable for Wednesday
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Smith (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.
The left ankle injury is a new concern for Smith, who hasn't missed an outing since Feb. 9. However, the 20-year-old is still likely to suit up against Indiana. Smith has averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 assists, 2.6 three-pointers and 2.0 rebounds across 28.6 minutes per game in his last five outings (one start).
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Pops for 19 off bench
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Smith finished with 19 points (7-16 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists across 35 minutes off the bench during Sunday's 98-94 loss to the Pelicans.
The second-year guard continues to provide a long-distance spark for the Hornets. Smith has scored double-digit points in seven of the last nine games (one start), averaging 14.6 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 threes and 2.6 boards in 27.8 minutes a contest while shooting 46.3 percent from beyond the arc.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Moving back to bench role
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Smith is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Magic.
Smith made a spot start Sunday and posted 19 points, three rebounds and three assists against the Heat, but he'll return to his regular bench role for this matchup as LaMelo Ball and DaQuan Jeffries will start on the backcourt. Smith has been playing well in recent weeks, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. He's averaging 2.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game across 13 appearances in March (five starts).
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Moves into starting lineup
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Smith will start Sunday's game against the Heat.
Smith will slide into the starting lineup due to the absence of Josh Green (shoulder). As a starter this season (24 games), Smith has averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Solid output off bench Friday
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Smith amassed 14 points (5-14 FG, 4-9 3Pt) and three assists over 26 minutes during Friday's 141-106 loss to the Thunder.
The Hornets looked overmatched in this contest, but Smith was one of the few standout performers, especially since he came off the bench to record double-digit points. Smith has scored in double digits off the bench in four of his last five outings, averaging 14.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game over that stretch.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Returns to starting five
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Smith is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus the Nets.
Smith will return to the starting five Saturday after moving to the bench in Charlotte's previous outing. Smith has struggled with his efficiency over his last 10 starting appearances, converting shooting just 33.1 percent from the field.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Joining second unit Friday
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Smith won't start in Friday's game against Cleveland.
The combo guard will slide to the bench in favor of Josh Green on Friday. Smith had started in each of his last 23 appearances, during which he averaged 12.3 points, 2.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds across 30.9 minutes per contest.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Will play Friday
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Smith (quadricep) is available for Friday's game against Cleveland.
Smith will shake off his probable tag due to a right quad contusion and suit up Friday. The combo guard has appeared in 11 consecutive outings (all starts) for the Hornets, during which he has averaged 10.9 points, 3.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds across 31.8 minutes per contest.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Probable for Friday
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Smith (quad) has been listed as probable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.
Smith has started the last 11 games for the Hornets and is trending toward getting another start Friday against Cleveland. The 20-year-old guard is averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, shooting 38.7 percent from the floor and 29 percent from beyond the arc in 23 games as a starter for Charlotte.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Hands out season-high seven assists
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Smith totaled 12 points (5-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt), three rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes during Thursday's 103-96 loss to the Mavericks.
Smith led the team with seven assists, his highest total in that area this season. The 2023 first-rounder shouldn't struggle for playmaking opportunities as a full-time starter with the injury-plagued Hornets down the stretch, but his lack of efficiency has left a lot to be desired. Smith is shooting just 33.7 percent from the floor and 24.5 percent from three-point land across his last eight contests, averaging 11.4 points, 3.1 assists, 1.6 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 1.6 three-pointers in 30.6 minutes during this period.
