Nick Smith Jr. injury update: Eric Musselman provides latest on Arkansas freshman's status

Nick Smith Jr. is expected to be a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, perhaps going as high as No. 3 overall.

But so far during his freshman season at Arkansas, he’s been unable to stay on the court while dealing with a right knee issue.

Thus far in 2022-23, Smith has appeared in only 5 games. When he’s been on the court, he’s been exciting to watch, averaging 12.8 points per game.

But, on Sunday, Eric Musselman revealed to college hoops insider Jeff Goodman that Smith would be out at least through the end of January.

Musselman said the plan is for Smith to return to the Hogs in February as long as he’s fully healthy:

Eric Musselman said Nick Smith Jr. will miss the rest of January while rehabbing his right knee in Los Angeles.

For those saying he isn’t coming back, I’ve been told by a source close to situation the plan is for Smith to return in February — as long as he’s 100 percent.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 8, 2023

If Smith is healthy and playing down the stretch for Arkansas, the Hogs will be even more dangerous. As things stand right now, they’re off to a slow start to SEC play, going 1-2 in their first 3 league games.