Smart (finger) has been a full participant at training camp this week, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports.
Smart ruptured the proximal interphalangeal joint central slip on his right hand and last appeared in a game on Jan. 9. He was supposed to be re-evaluated before the end of the 2034-24 season for a possible return, but Memphis was out of the playoff hunt by then. Prior to his injury, Smart was productive, posting averages of 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 three-pointers and 2.1 steals in 30.3 minutes in 20 appearances.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Confirmed out for Sunday
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Smart (finger) won't play Sunday against the Nuggets.
Smart ruptured the proximal interphalangeal joint central slip on his right hand and has been sidelined since Jan. 9. The Grizzlies were supposed to provide an update after his re-evaluation date, which was scheduled for weeks ago, but it never came. He finished the campaign with averages of 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 three-pointers and 2.1 steals in 30.3 minutes per game over just 20 appearances.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Unlikely to return this season
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Smart (finger) is without an official timeline for a return but is likely to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Smart ruptured the proximal interphalangeal joint central slip on his right hand and hasn't played since Jan. 9. At the time he suffered the injury, the Grizzlies had optimism that Smart would suit up again this season, but with Memphis firmly out of playoff contention, the team won't rush Smart back to game action. Smart has two years left on his contract and will look to make a better impression in Year 2 with Memphis after appearing in just 20 games in 2023-24. He averaged 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 three-pointers and 2.1 steals in 30.3 minutes per game.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Will be re-evaluated in three weeks
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The Grizzlies announced Thursday that Smart (finger) will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Smart hasn't played since Jan. 9 due to a rupture of the proximal interphalangeal joint central slip on his right hand. Though a recently re-evaluation revealed that he's healing properly, Smart will wear a splint for the next three weeks before being re-examined in mid-March. Even if he's cleared to resume on-court work following his upcoming re-evaluation, Smart will require a period of ramp-up time and may not be ready for game action until late March. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues are better off using a roster spot elsewhere rather than stashing Smart.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Progressing, still lacking timeline
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Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said Friday that Smart (finger) is progressing through the initial stages of his rehab and will be re-evaluated at some point after the All-Star break, Michael Wallace of the team's official site reports. "We'll be smart," Kleiman said when asked if Smart could return at some point this season. "We're going to make sure [Smart and Desmond Bane] are in position to be fully healthy [before playing]."
Smart hasn't played since Jan. 9, when he exited early in a win over the Mavericks and was later diagnosed with a right ring finger central slip tear. When Smart suffered the injury, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the point guard would be sidelined for approximately six weeks. Though Smart has now reached the end of that projected timeline, the Grizzlies haven't offered an indication that the 29-year-old is close to a return, and Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Tuesday that Bane -- out since Jan. 12 with a severe left ankle sprain -- looks closer than Smart to resume playing. More clarity on a target date for Smart's return could come forth when Memphis reconvenes for practice this week, but expect his absence to stretch into March while the 20-36 Grizzlies have little incentive to rush him in the midst of a non-contending season.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Out about six weeks
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An MRI revealed Smart suffered a severe right ring finger injury, which will sideline him for approximately six weeks, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
The bad news keeps piling up for Memphis. After losing Ja Morant (shoulder) for the remainder of the season, it appears Smart will be sidelined through the All-Star break. The veteran is in the midst of a solid season, averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. With both of Memphis' starting guards on the shelf, Derrick Rose's (thigh) and Jacob Gilyard's availabilities matter more than ever. However, it's essential to note Gilyard is on a two-way deal, and Rose has trouble staying healthy. We could see more Desmond Bane at point guard, opening more playing time for Luke Kennard, Ziaire Williams, John Konchar and Vince Williams. Fantasy managers should place Smart in an injured reserve slot, but don't be surprised if the team plays it extremely cautiously with injuries down the stretch, given there's almost no chance they climb the standings to Play-In contention.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Set for MRI
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Smart said he plans to get an MRI on his right hand Wednesday or Thursday after he was forced out in the third quarter of Tuesday's 120-103 win over the Mavericks, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports.
Despite missing the game's final 22 minutes, Smart turned in an excellent performance during his 21 minutes of court time, finishing with 23 points (9-16 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, two steals and one assist. The 29-year-old has now turned in three consecutive games with at least 20 points, and with Ja Morant (shoulder) lost for the season, Smart could take on a pronounced role as a scorer and playmaker, provided his hand injury doesn't prove to be too concerning. Smart said after Tuesday's game that he's not dealing with any fractured fingers, but the MRI should shed light on whether he has any ligament or tendon damage. The Grizzlies return to action Friday at home versus the Clippers.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Won't return Tuesday
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Smart has been ruled out for the remainder of Tuesday's game versus the Mavericks with a right finger injury. He will end the game with 23 points (9-16 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, two steals and one assist in 23 minutes.
Smart was enjoying one of his better shooting nights since joining the Grizzlies before leaving Tuesday's contest. With Ja Morant (shoulder) lost for the season, Smart is expected to serve as the Grizzlies' primary point guard moving forward, but his absence for the remainder of Tuesday's game could result in Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard and John Konchar taking on more ball-handling responsibilities. Expect the Grizzlies to provide an update on Smart's status after the game.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Heads to locker room
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Smart left Tuesday's game versus the Mavericks with 7:38 remaining in the third quarter due to an apparent right hand injury, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Smart recorded 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal in 21 minutes before exiting Tuesday's contest. With Ja Morant (shoulder) and Derrick Rose (thigh) already out, Memphis would be left shorthanded in the backcourt If Smart is unable to return.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Posts well-rounded stat line
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Smart amassed 25 points (9-20 FG, 4-13 3Pt, 3-5 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and three steals in 38 minutes during Sunday's 121-115 victory over the Suns.
With Ja Morant (shoulder) unavailable, Smart was in line for an increased role Sunday. Smart responded by topping 20 points for a second consecutive game in one of his most well-rounded performances of the season. He secured a season-high six rebounds and posted his second-highest assist total of the year. The 29-year-old has had inconsistent showings since Morant returned from his suspension, but Smart still can put together dominant performances and should continue to see an uptick in usage if Morant misses additional time.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Shines with 29 points
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Smart finished Friday's 127-113 victory over the Lakers with 29 points (9-16 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds, five assists and one steal in 39 minutes.
Smart could have been the odd man out upon Ja Morant's return, but the Grizzlies have assembled a potent trio with Morant, Smart and Desmond Bane providing excellent production. Smart had a rough two-game stretch prior to Friday's game, but the team has extreme confidence in Smart's spot with the first unit. He can be counted on to play 30 minutes or more with regularity.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Five steals in return
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Smart (foot) totaled 13 points (4-10 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five steals, three assists, one rebound and one block in 29 minutes during Tuesday's 116-115 overtime victory over the Pelicans.
Cleared to return after a 17-game absence due to the foot injury, Smart slid right back into starting five and played alongside the recently reinstated Ja Morant for the first time this season. Smart's minutes were slightly limited in the victory, but he was plenty productive during his time on the court, particularly on the defensive end. Though his scoring output won't always be noteworthy, he should do more than enough across other categories to be rostered in all formats moving forward.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Active, but on minutes restriction
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Smart (foot) is cleared to play and in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against New Orleans, although coach Taylor Jenkins noted that Smart will be on a minutes restriction, Rob Fischer of Bally Sports Southeast reports.
Smart will return from a 17-game absence to suit up alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane for the first time this season. Jenkins noted that Tuesday's game is more about building chemistry than Smart's statistical production, but his presence in the starting lineup alludes to what should be a fairly sizable role for the 29-year-old.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Chance to return Tuesday
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Smart (foot) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans.
Smart hasn't played since Nov. 14, but he's nearing a return to game action. However, even if he's cleared to suit up, the veteran point guard would presumably be on a strict minutes limit.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Won't play Saturday
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Smart (foot) won't play in Saturday's game against the Hawks, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Smart wasn't expected to play Saturday, but he wasn't ruled out until warmups. Coach Taylor Jenkins spoke with reporters and said he fully expects to have Smart back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans. It's fair to expect restrictions when Smart is cleared to suit up.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Officially ruled out
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Smart (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pacers, Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian reports.
Smart was considered doubtful for Thursday's matchup, so his status isn't particularly surprising. However, he's been able to participate in scrimmages recently. Coach Taylor Jenkins hopes Smart will be back in action Saturday against Atlanta but also said the guard's return could be pushed back to early next week.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Listed as doubtful
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Smart (foot) is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Pacers.
Smart has been able to participate in scrimmages recently and is nearing a return to game action, but he'll likely miss his 15th straight matchup Thursday. Ja Morant returned from his suspension Tuesday and hit the game-winning shot versus New Orleans, so after a slow start, Memphis is getting back to full strength and will look to force its way into the playoff picture. Smart's next chance to suit up will come Saturday in Atlanta.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: May return Thursday
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Coach Taylor Jenkins said Monday that Smart (foot) has participated in two scrimmages recently with encouraging results, and the veteran guard could return Thursday versus Indiana or Saturday against Atlanta, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports.
Memphis hasn't released its official injury report yet, but Smart appears set to remain out for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans, marking his 14th straight absence. However, Ja Morant (suspension) is expected to play in that contest, and Smart's return to action shouldn't be too far behind. Jenkins added the team will see how Smart's body responds to the scrimmages before making a decision, but the coach did seem optimistic about the guard's status.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Still out Monday
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Smart (foot) is listed as out for Monday's game against the Thunder.
Smart will miss a 13th consecutive game due to a left foot sprain, but he could be close to making his return to action. The veteran guard was expected to take part in 5-on-5 work over the weekend, so a return to action at some point during the upcoming week could be in the cards.
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Grizzlies' Marcus Smart: Will play 5-on-5 soon
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The Grizzlies announced Wednesday that they will likely give Smart (foot) 5-on-5 reps this weekend, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Smart has been doing individual work recently, but he's slated to miss a 12th straight game Wednesday. Given the team's update, the point guard can be ruled out for Friday's matchup versus Houston as well. However, if Smart participates in 5-on-5 this weekend and doesn't experience any setbacks, he may return to action during Monday's rematch against the Rockets in Memphis.