Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart is set to undergo a three to five-week recovery period after suffering a sprained left foot, further exacerbating Memphis' long list of injuries. The explicit details of Smart's injury were released by the Grizzlies on Friday. The guard, who was acquired through a trade during the offseason and awarded the 2022 NBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year, sustained the injury during Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Smart, who is currently averaging 12.5 points per game, ranks third in scoring for the Grizzlies. He is also leading the team with five assists and two steals per game. Alongside Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and David Roddy, Smart has been one of only four Grizzlies players to participate in each of the team's first 11 games of the season.
Unfortunately, Memphis is already dealing with a series of setbacks. All-Star guard Ja Morant is serving a 25-game suspension, while center Steven Adams has been ruled out since the beginning of the season due to a knee injury sustained in January. Additionally, Brandon Clarke is in the process of recovering from a left Achilles tendon tear suffered last March.
The Grizzlies have additionally declared Xavier Tillman Sr., Luke Kennard, and rookie GG Jackson II (two-way transfer) out for the upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs due to injuries. However, there is a chance that guard Derrick Rose may be available for selection after missing seven games due to a left knee injury.
With a current record of 2-9, the Grizzlies, who held the second seed in the Western Conference for the past two seasons, find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
