The hits keep coming for New Orleans, which is already without Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday.
New Orleans Pelicans big man Jason Smith will be out "indefinitely" due to a right knee injury, the team announced Saturday. An MRI on his knee revealed cartilage damage, so the team will play it safe and sideline him before determining a next step.
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Smith, the team's starting center, has missed a number of games this season as a result of knee soreness. Last month, he suffered a bone bruise to the right knee and missed time, so it's hard not to wonder whether this is lingering from past issues.
For New Orleans, the setback comes at a rough time as both guard Jrue Holiday and forward Ryan Anderson are also recovering from injuries. Anthony Davis continues to be a superlative talent and Eric Gordon is showing signs of life, averaging 23.4 points on 53 percent shooting in his past five games, but the Pelicans' depth is being tested.
In 31 games this season, Smith has averaged 9.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in a career-high 26.8 minutes per contest.
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