The Memphis Grizzlies could use help, and it’s on the way.
Not only is two-time All-Star Ja Morant expected to play Tuesday against the Pelicans in New Orleans in his return from his 25-game NBA suspension, but fellow starter Marcus Smart also is closing in on a return. Smart has been out since Nov. 14 with a sprained left foot.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said last week that the team was hoping to get Smart in five-on-five action during the weekend. Jenkins revealed on Monday that Smart participated in play-groups on Saturday and Monday morning. He’s expected to have another play-group and return to action later this week.
“Marcus is really close,” Jenkins said. ” . . . Somewhere in that Indiana and Atlanta time frame, we’re hopeful that he’ll be back in the lineup then.”
The Grizzlies (6-18) play the Indiana Pacers on Thursday at home and will go to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Saturday.
Smart’s return will add depth to a Grizzlies lineup that is currently shallow at guard. Derrick Rose left Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter because of left hamstring tightness. The team announced Monday that he’s expected to be week-to-week, but Jenkins sounded optimistic on the 35-year-old’s recovery timeline.
“He’ll be back here on the shorter term,” Jenkins said. “It shouldn’t be anything long-term. It’s been great dialogue with him, the medical team and myself.”
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