One date Celtics fans have had circled on their calendar is February 4 – Marcus Smart’s return to TD Garden.
However, that date may not hold the same significance anymore, as the Memphis Grizzlies announced Thursday that Smart sustained a severe right ring finger injury in their win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. The injury will sideline Smart for approximately six weeks.
True to his signature gritty style, the 29-year-old guard noticed the injury after he knocked down a triple.
"It just felt funny and looked funny," Smart said after the game. "So I'm just like, let's get this checked out. Better safe than sorry. Nothing's broken, but we'll see what they say."
This is the second major injury for the former Defensive Player of the Year this season. He suffered a left foot injury and missed 17 games earlier this season – including the first matchup with the Celtics in Memphis.
Smart has played in nine games since then, averaging 14.5 points, 2.1 steals, and 4.3 assists on the season.
Memphis’ season has been derailed by injuries from the start.
Center Steven Adams underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee less than a week before the regular season opener. Brandon Clarke is still on the road to recovery from an Achilles tear suffered last March. Adding to the setbacks, Ja Morant's season was cut short after just nine games. The All-NBA guard underwent season-ending shoulder surgery shortly after returning from a 25-game suspension for violating league policies.
Smart's injury occurred the night after the Grizzlies learned that Morant would undergo the season-ending procedure.
Furthermore, Luke Kennard and Derrick Rose have been available for less than half of the team’s games.
Boston's February 4 matchup against Memphis marks the final meeting between the two teams this season. Smart's injury makes it highly unlikely for him to be available for the game, meaning Celtics fans will have to wait until next year for his return to the parquet.
Memphis is 14-23 on the season, sitting 13th in the West and 4.5 games back of even the final play-in spot.
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