While the Grizzlies entered the new season healthy and ready to prove they‘re still West contenders, an injury has already affected their team. Former Celtics guard Marcus Smart suffered his latest setback, this time a right ankle sprain he suffered in Wednesday’s game against the Nets.
Smart rolled his right ankle on Ziaire Williams late in the first quarter, forcing him to sub out of the game. The Grizzlies said Smart wouldn‘t return to Wednesday’s game afterwards. Smart finished with six minutes played, putting up an assist and rebound without taking a shot.
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Smart had a tough last season, his first year in Memphis since being traded from the Celtics. He played in just 20 games as the Grizzlies were plagued by injuries. Smart has also had a tough start to the season, averaging 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He‘s shooting just 23.5% from the field and 16.7% from 3, though it’s still early in the season.
The Grizzlies entered Wednesday with a 2-2 record and looking to prove they’re still a strong playoff team. Before last season, they were the No. 2 seed in the West in back-to-back years in the 2022 then 2023 playoffs. But the deepest run they made was to the second round as they looked to make that next step. They went 27-55 last season, though the majority of their contributors got hurt in some shape or form.
So, for a Ja Morant-led team, it‘s a prove-it and potential bounce-back season. Smart was set to be a major part of that as the Grizzlies traded for him to add some grit back into their franchise. It‘s unclear how severe his injury is, but the Grizzlies will hope their starter doesn’t miss too much time with the ankle issue.
