Marcus Smart is officially back with the Grizzlies after a lengthy absence. Smart hasn’t played in a game since Nov. 14, when he suffered the foot sprain that has kept him out for the past month.
Smart was listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said Smart will start the game. Smart missed 16 games in the meantime, but he is good to go Tuesday.
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That’ll be an interesting wrinkle with Ja Morant back for the past three games. The Grizzlies have struggled to the tune of a 9-19 record, but Morant has led them to a 3-0 mark since he finished serving his 25-game suspension. The Grizzlies have dealt with injuries all season, and not just with Smart.
Smart has played in 11 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. The Grizzlies traded for him in the three-team deal that netted the Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis. Smart has looked to fire up the Grizzlies amid some struggles, and his return should also provide a spark with Morant as part of the lineup.
