03/17/2026, 8:52 PM

Moves back out of rotation

After a recent stretch in which he appeared in five straight games and averaged 12.0 minutes, Vanderbilt has now been left out of head coach JJ Redick's rotation for the past two contests. The Lakers seem content to lean on Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura to fill out minutes in the frontcourt when starters LeBron James and Deandre Ayton are off the court.

03/17/2026, 5:52 PM

Tepid line in victory

Although Smart produced a mediocre line, he converted beyond the arc during some key moments where momentum was beginning to turn Houston's way. Smart's production is muted because the top three scoring options on the squad are locked up. If it doesn't improve, his 57-game average of 9.6 points would mark only the second time in his career that he's failed to average 10 or more points.

03/17/2026, 5:31 PM

Drops 18 points in win

James failed to exceed 20 points for the fourth consecutive game, but he continued to provide his typical intangibles in a complementary role to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. James has averaged 25.3 points per game since his recent three-game absence, so the elder statesman shows no signs of slowing down while battling hip and foot injuries.