Smart (finger) will not play Sunday against the Nuggets, as expected.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Smart (finger) will likely miss the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart ruptured the proximal interphalangeal joint central slip on his right hand and hasn't played since Jan. 9. There was optimism the veteran would suit up again this season, but with the Grizzlies firmly out of playoff contention, it doesn't make sense to rush Smart back to game action. Smart has two years left on his current 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 and 2.1 steals in 30.3 minutes per game.

The Grizzlies announced Thursday that Smart (finger) will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

EDGE Analysis

Smart last played for the Grizzlies on Jan. 9 and still doesn't have a concrete timetable. Smart's injury is healing properly according to this update, but the Grizzlies aren't in a position to rush him back before he's 100 percent.

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]."

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Smart is out for the remainder of Tuesday's game versus the Mavericks with a right a 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.

EDGE Analysis

Smart was enjoying one of his better shooting nights since joining the Grizzlies before leaving Tuesday's contest. David Roddy, John Konchar and Ziaire Williams are candidates to receive increased minutes in his absence. Smart's status for Friday's matchup with the Clippers is uncertain.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.