This is a scaling vs. lane-pressure matchup. Smolder wants to poke you with Q and W to stack P, while you want to minimize damage and find a window to isolate him with R. Because the lane is short, you must use your displacement tools effectively to prevent him from flying away with E.

This is a scaling vs. kill-pressure matchup. Smolder wants to safely farm stacks with P, while you want to find an angle to drag him into a long trade where your tankiness and R outshine his early squishiness. You win by disrupting his rhythm and forcing him into a fight he can't fly away from.