Veteran point guard Marcus Smart of the struggling Memphis Grizzlies will be out of action for three to five weeks due to a left foot injury. Smart sustained the injury during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers last week. An MRI revealed a left foot strain, and X-rays were negative.
This news comes at a difficult time for the Grizzlies, who are already without All-Star point guard Ja Morant, serving a 25-game suspension. The absence of both Smart and Morant has significantly impacted the team’s performance, with the Grizzlies currently holding a 3-10 record.
To provide stability during these challenging times, the Grizzlies acquired two veteran point guards, with Smart joining the team in an offseason trade with the Boston Celtics. Head coach Taylor Jenkins specifically wanted Smart to bring his characteristic hard-nosed defense and veteran leadership to the team while they navigated Morant’s absence.
Additionally, the team brought in Derrick Rose, a former MVP, in the offseason. However, Rose has also been struggling with his own health issues, leaving the Grizzlies without two key players in their backcourt. The team has also been dealing with the absence of center Steven Adams, who is out for the entire season due to knee surgery.
In the absence of Smart and Morant, the Grizzlies have been experimenting with their lineup, giving opportunities to players like John Konchar and Jacob Gilyard to step up. However, the team is facing challenges on multiple fronts, with a below-par performance in the betting markets and a disappointing start to the season against the point spread.
Despite their recent struggles, the Grizzlies are aiming to reclaim their success from previous seasons and secure a third-straight Southwest Division title. However, they face tough competition from other teams in their division, with the Dallas Mavericks currently leading the pack.
The Grizzlies have a challenging schedule ahead, with upcoming games against the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Utah Jazz. The team will have to navigate these games without key players and work towards improving their performance on the court.
Overall, the Grizzlies are currently facing a series of obstacles, both in terms of their lineup and their performance on the court. The team will need to regroup and strategize in order to overcome these challenges and get back on track.
