New York Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is currently listed as day-to-day, but the team will likely be cautious with his return after learning that he has a few dislocated discs in his back.
According to Chris Iseman of The Record, Smith recently underwent an MRI exam — the results of which showed inflammation and misplaced discs in his back. Though it sounds bad, the Knicks believe the injury is not severe. A bit of rest and rehab will be in order.
Dennis Smith Jr. said he had an MRI that showed a couple disks out of place in the lower back. Also some inflammation. Said it's nothing that needs surgery. Just rehab and rest.
— Chris Iseman (@ChrisIseman) March 27, 2019
This is tough news for the Knicks, who already have several players listed as day-to-day on their injury report, including Kevin Knox (ankle), Allonzo Trier (calf) and Noah Vonleh (ankle). Smith Jr. participated in portions of Wednesday's practice, but the team will likely be cautious with his return.
Like Smith Jr, Vonleh recently had an MRI scan. The results of his test showed a right ankle sprain and right foot bone bruise. He is set for re-evaluation in one week.
In 17 appearances with the Knicks this season (all starts), Smith Jr. has racked up averages of 14.6 points on 41.6 percent shooting from the field (29 percent from beyond the arc), 6.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 29.5 minutes per outing.
If Smith Jr. is ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Raptors, Emmanuel Mudiay and Kadeem Allen will likely see upticks in their usage rates at the point guard position.
Thursday's Knicks-Raptors game is scheduled to tip inside Madison Square Garden at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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