Is Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) playing tonight against Bulls?

Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (proper hip synovitis) has been downgraded to uncertain for Friday night time’s residence recreation towards the Chicago Bulls. Smith was initially listed as possible for this matchup.

The seven-year veteran is now slated to overlook his third consecutive recreation. If Smith is sidelined, Dennis Schroder, Jalen Wilson, and Lonnie Walker IV are anticipated to see elevated minutes.

Smith, 26, has missed 18 video games total this season. By means of 55 video games (two begins), the 6-foot-2 guard is averaging 6.7 factors, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 19.2 minutes per recreation.

Noah Clowney (again contusion) is on the market for Nets tonight vs. Chicago.

Dennis Smith Jr. (proper hip synovitis) has been downgraded to uncertain.

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) March 29, 2024

Moreover, he’s taking pictures a career-best 43.5% from the sector, 29.6% from deep, and 74.1% on the foul line. His true taking pictures share (50.8%) and win shares (1.7) are profession highs as effectively.

Furthermore, the NC State product scored a season-high 14 factors on the Boston Celtics on Nov. 10, versus the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 27, and towards the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 10.

Brooklyn Nets’ Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) downgraded to out for Friday’s residence recreation vs. Chicago Bulls

Following Brooklyn’s 124-97 blowout victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 29, Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie praised Smith after he completed with 10 factors, 5 assists, and a steal in 20 minutes off the bench.

74 of 82.

📺 @YESNetwork📻 @WFAN660 pic.twitter.com/GJdy2kmC0K

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 29, 2024

For the remainder of Brooklyn’s harm report, Ben Simmons (again), Dariq Whitehead (shin), and Keita Bates-Diop (shin) are all out for the season. Cameron Johnson (toe) stays out indefinitely.

Getting into Friday’s matchup, the Nets are simply 3-7 of their final 10 video games. Brooklyn is 1-6 in its previous seven conferences with a Central Division opponent and 14-5 in its earlier 19 contests performed on at the present time.

In the meantime, the Bulls are 7-13 of their previous 20 video games performed versus Brooklyn. Chicago is 2-5 in its final seven contests performed on at the present time and 1-4 towards the unfold in its earlier 5 video games performed in March.

NBA sportsbooks present the Nets as 3.5-point underdogs at residence towards Chicago. Per ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index, the Bulls maintain a 56.1% probability of defeating Brooklyn.