Jalen Smith returns to play for Pacers after missing nine games

INDIANAPOLIS -- Backup center Jalen Smith will be available for Wednesday night's game against the Hornets after missing the Pacers' last nine games, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said in his pre-game press conference.

Carlisle also said center Myles Turner, who missed Monday's game with a sore bilateral hamstring, will be available.

Smith suffered a left knee bone bruise and left heel contusion in the Pacers' loss to Portland on Nov. 27 and hasn't played since. The injury paused what has been an excellent season for Smith coming off the bench behind Turner. In just 15.4 minutes per game, he's averaging 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He's actually the Pacers' second-leading scorer and leading rebounder on a per-36 minute basis, averaging 23.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per 36. He's shooting 70.7% from the floor and he's made 14 of 21 3-pointers, a sizzling 66.7% on low volume.

"We've missed him a lot," Carlisle said. "We've missed him defensively, we've missed him on the boards. He's having a terrific year. He's one of our guys who just has a great spirit every day and we need that."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers vs. Hornets: Jalen Smith returns to action