Marcus Smart G LAL Tue 12/26/23 6:44 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
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.
EDGE Analysis
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 healthy role for the 29-year-old.
Marcus Smart G LAL Mon 12/25/23 6:20 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
Smart (foot) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Marcus Smart G LAL Sat 12/23/23 6:21 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
Smart (foot) will not play in Saturday's game against the Hawks, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smart wasn't expected to play Saturday, but he wasn't ruled out until warmups. Coach Taylor Jenkins spoke with reporters and said that he fully expects to have Smart back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans. It's fair to expect restrictions in his first game back, however.
Marcus Smart G LAL Fri 12/22/23 5:15 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
Smart (foot) is doubtful for Saturday's game against Atlanta.
EDGE Analysis
Coach Taylor Jenkins expressed recently that he hoped Smart would be able to return to action Saturday, but it appears more likely that the guard will have to wait to return until at least early next week. Despite his doubtful designation, he's been participating in scrimmages recently and certainly appears to be trending in the right direction.
Marcus Smart G LAL Thu 12/21/23 6:26 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
Smart (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pacers, Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian reports.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Marcus Smart G LAL Wed 12/20/23 6:13 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
Smart (foot) is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Pacers.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Marcus Smart G LAL Tue 12/19/23 11:02 AM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
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.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Marcus Smart G LAL Sun 12/17/23 6:07 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
Smart (foot) is unavailable for Monday's game against the Thunder.
EDGE Analysis
Smart will miss a 13th consecutive game due to a left foot sprain. It was reported late last week that Smart would be given 5-on-5 reps over the weekend, so although he is unable to go on Monday, a return seems to be approaching.
Marcus Smart G LAL Wed 12/13/23 6:55 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
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.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Marcus Smart G LAL Tue 12/12/23 6:03 PM
Marcus Smart
G LAL
Smart (foot) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Rockets.
EDGE Analysis
Smart's absence streak will extend to 12 games Wednesday due to a left foot sprain. His next chance to suit up is Friday's rematch with the Rockets.