NBA Veteran Marcus Smart Makes Triumphant Return as Grizzlies Face Lakers in Critical Matchup
In a significant boost for the Memphis Grizzlies, Marcus Smart has rejoined the team’s active roster after being sidelined for six games due to a right ankle sprain. The former Defensive Player of the Year made his comeback during Wednesday night’s face-off against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena.
Smart, who entered the game from the bench during the first quarter, brings his defensive prowess back to a Grizzlies team that’s fighting to climb the Western Conference standings.
His return couldn’t have come at a better time, as the team continues to manage without their star player Ja Morant, who remains out with hip and pelvis issues.
According to Shams Charania on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” the Grizzlies’ medical staff plans to evaluate Morant’s condition this weekend. The team appears optimistic, showing little concern about any long-term complications from his injury.
Before his ankle setback on October 30 against Brooklyn, Smart’s early-season performance painted a mixed picture. While his shooting struggled at 23.5% from the field, averaging 7.0 points per game, his defensive impact remained notable. The veteran guard maintained an impressive rate of 2.3 combined steals and blocks in his four complete games this season.
The timing of Smart’s return adds extra intrigue to tonight’s contest. The Grizzlies stand on the verge of claiming the Southwest division’s top spot, provided they secure a victory and the Houston Rockets falter in their matchup.
For Smart, this season represents a fresh start with the Grizzlies after an injury-plagued previous year where he managed only 20 game appearances due to a sprained left foot and finger injury. His experience, entering his 10th NBA season, brings valuable leadership to Memphis’s backcourt.
The chemistry between Smart and Morant showed promise early in the season, particularly during their October 18 game against the Miami Heat at FedExForum, where both guards displayed strong on-court synergy.
Tonight’s game, scheduled for 7:00 PM PST, marks the second meeting between these teams in just a week, following their previous clash in Memphis. The Lakers-Grizzlies rivalry continues to intensify as both teams jockey for position in the competitive Western Conference.
The Grizzlies’ coaching staff will likely manage Smart’s minutes carefully in his first game back, focusing on maintaining his long-term availability while leveraging his defensive skills in key moments.
His return strengthens Memphis’s rotation depth, providing much-needed experience and defensive intensity as they navigate through this crucial part of the season.
As the NBA season progresses, Smart’s successful return could prove pivotal in the Grizzlies’ push toward playoff contention, especially while they await Morant’s return to full health. Basketball fans across the league will be watching closely to see how this defensive specialist impacts Memphis’s performance in the coming weeks.