The injury bug keeps on chomping down upon the flesh of the Memphis Grizzlies organization this season, as they have yet another core member heading to the sidelines for a prolonged absence.
This week started with the crippling news that superstar Ja Morant will miss the remainder of the year as he opts to undergo right shoulder surgery and now, per a report by Shams Charania of The Athletic on Thursday afternoon, his replacement Marcus Smart will also be shelved for an extended period as he nurses a "right ring finger injury."
Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart slated to be sidelined 'six weeks'
The injury was initially sustained during the third period of Memphis' latest matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday evening, though initial reactions didn't make things seem all that bad as he even managed to hit a clutch three-point jumper with the ailment.
Marcus Smart knocks down a three with a dislocated finger!
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 10, 2024
Last 3 games (all wins)
23 PTS, 4 3PT (56% FG)
25 PTS, 8 AST, 4 3PT, 3 STL
29 PTS, 8 3PT, 5 AST (56% FG)pic.twitter.com/UZrbrb26gP
However, following this aforementioned sequence of events the veteran was pulled from and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game. Now, less than 48-hours later, it is revealed that he will be donning street clothes for "approximately six weeks," according to the report.
This unfortunate news comes less than a month after initially making his way back to the lineup following a 17-game absence due to a nagging foot injury.
To say Smart's debut season in the 38103 has been a whirlwind would be a complete understatement. Frankly, this goes for the season as a whole for the Grizzlies.
Through 20 games played, the veteran has posted 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game.
In light of this news, one should expect Memphis to experiment a bit with their point guard position moving forward