Nick Smith Jr. contributed 18 points off the bench for the Hornets, showcasing his scoring ability as the team continues to struggle, having lost their last 10 games.

Nick Smith Jr. is currently on a G League assignment and is not available for the upcoming game against the Bulls.

Nick Smith Jr. was one of the few players with a positive plus/minus in the game against the Rockets, contributing to the Hornets' efforts despite the overall team struggle. He and Moussa Diabate were the only players to finish with a positive impact, highlighting his role in the game.

Nick Smith Jr. has been recalled from the G-League and is expected to contribute off the bench against the Rockets. This season, he is averaging 3.1 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 9.3 minutes per game, with a career average of 5.3 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 13.3 minutes over 64 games with the Hornets.

Nick Smith Jr. has seen his playing time diminish since the emergence of Isaiah Wong, as Wong has taken over minutes that were previously allocated to him. As a result, Smith has been suiting up with the Greensboro Swarm in the G-League, indicating a shift in the Hornets' roster dynamics and their trust in Wong's abilities.