10 Jalen Smith PF

Smith will start Sunday's contest against the Spurs.

The rookie will be making his first career start in the Suns' regular-season finale. He's been a fringe rotation player all season but could see big minutes for development purposes. Per 36 minutes, he's averaging 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Smith (coach's decision) didn't play during Monday's win over Milwaukee.

The rookie remained on the sidelines for a second time over the past three games. Smith posted two points and grabbed three rebounds in six minutes during the Suns' loss to the Spurs last Saturday. Across 20 outings, the former Maryland product is averaging 1.3 points and 1.0 rebound.

Smith is averaging 0.7 points and 0.7 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field in 2.3 minutes over his last seven games.

Coming into the league as a lottery pick in 2020 by the Suns, Smith had high expectations. Now over halfway through the season, it's clear the 21-year-old won't have a key role with the team as he's averaged just 4.4 minutes per game and has been a healthy DNP for more games than he's actually played in. The center's playing time should remain very limited as the Suns gear up for the postseason.

Smith was recalled from the G League by the Suns on Friday, Kevin Zimmerman of ArizonaSports.com reports.

The 21-year-old has been playing with the Agua Caliente Clippers in the G League bubble for nearly two weeks, but he'll rejoin the Suns this weekend. Smith will provide frontcourt depth but is unlikely to see much playing time with Dario Saric (ankle) the only player currently listed on the injury report.

Smith recorded 18 points (7-9 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and a block across 15 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's loss against the Raptors 905.

Smith was one of four players that didn't play more than 15 minutes, but he made the most of his limited playing time and missed just two shots from the field en route to his best scoring output of the campaign. He's averaging 11.0 points per game over his first two G League appearances.

The Suns assigned Smith to the G League's Agua Caliente Clippers on Monday, the Associated Press reports.

With Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder, Frank Kaminsky, Dario Saric and Cameron Johnson locked in as the Suns' clear top five options at either power forward or center, Smith has been largely outside of head coach Monty Williams' rotation since playing 16 minutes in the season opener. The G League assignment will at least give Smith the opportunity to pick up some much-needed playing time, but the demotion isn't a great early sign for the No. 10 overall pick's long-term outlook in the NBA.

Smith (undisclosed) won't play in Sunday's game against the Magic, Gerald Bourquet of FanSided.com reports.

Smith has fallen out of the rotation in recent games, but he'll be inactive against Orlando for an undisclosed reason. Even if he's available Tuesday against the Nets, he's unlikely to see much playing time for the Suns.

Smith (COVID-19 health and safety protocols) was active for Friday's 130-126 overtime loss to the Nuggets, but he went unused off the bench.

The rookie first-round pick had already been excised from head coach Monty Williams' rotation before entering the league's health and safety protocol Jan. 7, so Smith's lack of use in his return to action didn't come as a major surprise. The Suns used Deandre Ayton, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and Frank Kaminsky as their frontcourt options Friday, and Smith will likely drop to sixth in the pecking order among the Suns' big men once Dario Saric clears the health and safety protocol.

Smith (COVID-19 protocols) is available for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Smith has been out since Dec. 26 due to the NBA's health and safety protocols, but he'll be eligible to return to the court Friday. It's possible that the Suns could opt to ease him back into action.

Smith (COVID-19 protocols) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game at Houston.

Smith continues to be sidelined by the NBA's health and safety protocols, and it's unclear when he's expected to retake the court.

Smith (COVID-19 protocols) is listed as out for Monday's game against the Grizzlies.

Smith hasn't played since Dec. 26 due to the league's health and safety protocols, and he'll remain sidelined for Monday's matchup. A timetable for his return hasn't yet been announced.

Smith (COVID-19 protocols) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Hawks, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Smith continues to go through the NBA's health and safety protocols, and hasn't seen game action since Dec. 26.

Smith (COVID-19 protocols) will not play in Monday's game against the Wizards.

Smith will miss another contest, per the league's health and safety protocols. He hasn't played since Dec. 26, and it remains unclear when the rookie will be available again.

Smith (health and safety protocols) won't play in Saturday's contest against Indiana.

The rookie will remain sidelined for an eighth straight game due to the NBA's health and safety protocols regarding COVID-19. Smith has only appeared in two games this season, averaging 2.0 points and 2.5 rebounds.

Smith has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pistons due to health and safety protocols, Gerald Bourguet of The Step Back reports.

Smith didn't take the court during Wednesday's 123-115 win over the Raptors after sitting out the previous five games due to a sprained ankle, and it now appears that he'll be forced to miss time as a result of protocols related to COVID-19. Dario Saric's role could expand in Detroit with Smith unavailable.

Smith (coach's decision) didn't see the court Wednesday in the Suns' 123-115 win over the Raptors.

Smith was cleared to play after missing the Suns' last five games with a sprained ankle, but he found himself on the outside of head coach Monty Williams' 10-man rotation. Though Smith had played backup minutes in the frontcourt in the Suns' first two games before he got hurt, Phoenix was without Dario Saric (quadriceps) for both contests. With Saric now healthy again, he'll likely join Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson as the Suns' primary rotational big men in most games, leaving Smith on the outside looking in for playing time.

Smith (ankle) is active for Wednesday's game against Toronto.

The rookie will get his first chance at playing time since Dec. 26; he's missed the Suns' last five games. Minutes might be hard to come by, however, as Deandre Ayton and Dario Saric have been controlling the center position so far.

Smith (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Gerald Bourguet of FanSided reports.

Smith, who was previously ruled out due to a sprained ankle, has been upgraded to questionable. The Suns have looked great so far in his absence using Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky as reserve frontcourt players, so a significant role is far from guaranteed for Smith when he's available.

Smith (ankle) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Smith hasn't played since Dec. 26 as he's dealt with a left ankle sprain. Dario Saric should continue to see an increased role with Smith sidelined.

Smith (ankle) is out Sunday against the Clippers.

Smith continues to be shelved due to a left ankle sprain. His next chance to play is Wednesday against the Raptors.