Grizzlies lose Marcus Smart with serious hand injury

On Thursday, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that guard Marcus Smart is anticipated to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks due to an injury to his right ring finger. The injury occurred during the third quarter of the Grizzlies’ 120-103 triumph over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. This unfortunate news followed the team’s announcement a day earlier that star guard Ja Morant would be out for the season with a shoulder injury.

The team revealed that Smart has been diagnosed with a rupture of the proximal interphalangeal joint central slip. At 29 years old, Smart has been a key contributor, averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 20 games, all of which he started, this season. Notably, Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, is experiencing his first season with Memphis after being acquired from the Boston Celtics.

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With Smart sidelined, the Grizzlies (14-23) are expected to rely on players like Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, and possibly Derrick Rose to fill the void during his absence.