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Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. is set to return to the lineup against the Detroit Pistons following a six-game absence due to a left hip strain, per Earl K. Sneed. However, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle has hinted that Smith could be on a minutes restriction upon his return, Sneed also reports.
Smith suffered the hip injury after landing on a cameraman in their loss to the Boston Celtics on Dec. 6. The Mavs dropped five of the six games Smith missed, four of which coming on the road. The team has missed Smith’s extra injection of offense as they managed to break 100 points just once in those six games.
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Smith, the No. 9 pick in the 2017 draft, is averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 28 minutes per game and has started all 23 games he's played.
Yogi Ferrell started all six games at point guard for the Mavs in Smith’s absence and averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during that span.
Smith’s return to the starting lineup will likely push Ferrell back to the bench along with veterans Devin Harris and J.J. Barea. But if Smith does get placed on a minutes restriction, Ferrell should continue to play a significant role in the Mavs’ limited rotation.
