Marcus Smart‘s injury status with the Memphis Grizzlies has made more headlines than his actual play and availability since the 2023 trade from the Boston Celtics. Smart has missed significant time in his first two seasons in Memphis. However, his most recent injury update comes with some good news attached.
Grizzlies Injury Update Sidelines Veteran Week-to-Week
Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart Making Progress from December Injury
Smart suffered a partial tear of the proximal extensor hood of his right index finger in late December and has remained on ice since. He has played in just 18 games this season after playing just 20 last season, his first as a Grizzly. The trade for Smart from the Celtics has not panned out as Memphis expected or hoped for; that much can be said. While his veteran presence and leadership still add value to the team, the Grizzlies are missing Smart’s on-court presence. Most notably, his presence on the defensive end, where he does his best work.
With the updated report from the Grizzlies organization, Smart’s likelihood of returning soon, before the end of January, is likely the case.
Via Grizzlies PR: “Smart continues to progress in connection with rehabilitation for a partial tear of the proximal extensor hood of his right index finger, which he sustained during the Grizzlies’ game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 21. Smart is considered week-to-week.”
Getting the 30-year-old veteran back would significantly boost a Grizzlies team jockeying for top seeding in the West. Smart’s lengthy playoff experience surely counts toward a younger team in Memphis looking to compete with the likes of the Thunder or Nuggets. So, the fact that Smart has progressed to a week-to-week status is good news. Even better news will be an eventual specific date for his return to the floor.
If Healthy, How Far Can Memphis Go?
Health will be the catalyst for good or bad in how far the Grizzlies can run this season. Not only has Smart missed significant time, but Ja Morant has also fallen victim to injuries, playing in only 21 of 38 games. Surprisingly, the Grizzlies are still 10 games above .500 (24-10). They’re just one win behind the Houston Rockets for second in the West.
It wasn’t long ago that Memphis was making a deep playoff run, but they followed that season up with last year’s disappointing campaign. Granted, much of their demise last year was aided by Moron’s off-court issues, lengthy suspension, and injury. Still, the expectations for Memphis have been high in recent years and remain today. Their roster is undoubtedly talented and playoff-worthy. That said, if the Grizzlies can’t avoid significant injuries to key players, things could become challenging quickly.
Morant just returned from his latest injury and played well, mind you. Jaren Jackson Jr. is putting together an exceptional season, and the Grizzlies have an overall solid supporting cast. As mentioned earlier, Smart’s playoff experience and former Defensive Player of the Year award experience only help Memphis. They can go far, but health has to be on their side, especially Ja’s health.
