Pacers center exits with head injury, taken to hospital for evaluation

Indiana Pacers center Jalen Smith was hospitalized after taking a blow to the head in Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

During the second quarter of the game in Philadelphia, Smith was elbowed by Sixers forward Marcus Morris Sr., fell to the court and then had trouble standing up as time was called.

The Pacers issued a statement at halftime revealing the initial diagnosis of a head injury, adding: ‘Out of an abundance of caution, Smith will be transported to a local hospital for additional testing and evaluation. Smith will not return to tonight’s game and additional updates will be provided as appropriate.’

After the game, a 132-126 Pacers win, coach Rick Carlisle said he had no update on Smith’s condition.

The former Maryland star was taken with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. He came into the game averaging 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds on the season.