Grizzlies' Marcus Smart injures ankle early vs. Lakers

Field Level Media|published: Wed 15th November, 24:32 2023

Nov 14, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) moves the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart was ruled doubtful to return to Tuesday's NBA in-season tournament game against the Los Angeles Lakers after he rolled his left ankle in the first quarter.

Smart, the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, was on defense when he landed on the foot of the Lakers' Austin Reaves, injuring his ankle with 3:35 remaining. While on the floor, Smart pounded the court in frustration before he was helped back to the locker room.

Smart had three points, one rebound and one assist in eight minutes before he departed.

Memphis has been short-handed all season with Steven Adams out for the season after knee surgery and Brandon Clarke still recovering from an Achilles injury last spring. In addition, Derrick Rose has knee soreness and Ja Morant is serving a 25-game suspension.

In 10 games, before Tuesday, Smart averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 assists in starting his first season with Memphis after nine seasons with the Boston Celtics. In 591 career games (370 starts), Smart has averaged 10.6 points and 4.7 assists.

—Field Level Media