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After the All-Star break, Pacers center Jalen Smith is feeling better and his lower back spasms are lessening.

Carlisle explained after the game that Smith was available only in case of an emergency, emphasizing that he did not want to undermine Detroit in any way. He expressed that Smith’s condition requires time to heal, and sitting out the game provided him with three additional days to recover without the physical demands of an NBA match. Carlisle expressed hope that Smith would be fully recovered by Sunday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Smith has been contending with lower back spasms for an extended period. His last appearance was on February 8, where he only played the first half before being sidelined. Despite showing promise during his limited playtime that night, he was unable to finish the game against the Golden State Warriors. Throughout the season, he has intermittently missed games due to this injury, sitting out five of the team’s last eight matchups. This season, he has missed one-third of Indiana’s games. Despite these setbacks, Smith has shown improvement from the previous season, averaging 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Reflecting on his recovery, Smith mentioned that his back has significantly improved since the All-Star break. He opted to stay in Indianapolis during the break, which provided much-needed rest. Although he did not play in the most recent game, his availability was notable, especially considering his participation in practice sessions throughout the week. With each game crucial for the Pacers as they push forward, having as many healthy players as possible is imperative.