NBA Notes: Rockets, Jabari Smith Jr, Pelicans, Mavericks, Naji Marshall

Rockets

The Rockets won again Thursday — four victories in five games since the break — but they may have taken a hit late.

Forward Jabari Smith Jr. rolled his ankle after stepping on Alperen Sengun’s foot with under 2:00 minutes remaining, though coach Ime Udoka downplayed the severity.

“Day-to-day,” Udoka told reporters, adding it “doesn’t look too terrible.”

Smith has started 57 of 58 games and has arguably been playing the best stretch of his career. If he misses time, Houston would lean more heavily on its wing depth, including Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Pelicans

Interim coach James Borrego continues to shake things up. As Rod Walker of NOLA.com detailed, Borrego has made bold calls, including starting rookie Derik Queen earlier this season and bringing Jordan Poole off the bench.

Dejounte Murray said the locker room has handled it well.

“There are no egos,” Murray noted. The message: roles may change, but buy-in hasn’t.

Mavericks

Naji Marshall showed exactly why the Mavericks had no interest in moving him at the deadline.

Per Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, Marshall erupted for 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists against Sacramento.

Only two other undrafted players since 1983 have reached those numbers in a game. “He’s taken full advantage,” coach Jason Kidd said.