Marcus

Smart

Smart did not play in Thursday’s win over the Warriors, resulting in more playing time for fellow reserve Luke Kennard. If Smart cannot play against the Hawks, that would remain the case, but Kennard offers limited value as a streamer.

Smart was initially doubtful for Thursday’s game, so his absence is unsurprising. His absence means more playing time for Scotty Pippen Jr., whose fantasy ceiling is limited with Ja Morant (back) available. Luke Kennard may also pick up a few more minutes, but he is not worth streaming on a 13-game night.

With Smart unlikely to play, expect Scotty Pippen Jr. and Luke Kennard to see a bump in playing time off the bench. If Morant ends up sitting too, Pippen Jr. is likely to earn a spot start, making him a worthwhile streaming option.

Smart being cleared to play likely means fewer minutes for Scotty Pippen Jr., who is most valuable to fantasy managers when one of the veterans sits. After Sunday, the Grizzlies don’t play again until Thursday, making it relatively safe to drop Pippen in most leagues.

Smart’s potential absence may impact Scotty Pippen Jr. more than anyone else, as the Grizzlies’ backup point guard may play a few more minutes. However, neither Smart nor Pippen has much value outside of deep leagues, with Ja Morant and Desmond Bane available.

The Grizzlies’ star guard duo missed the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday, but they’ll be back in the lineup for this game. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Marcus Smart should end up returning to the bench.

Both players suited up in the Grizzlies’ latest win against the Celtics and there’s been no indication that either is having major struggles. Marcus Smart and Scottie Pippen Jr. could benefit from either member of the starting backcourt getting ruled out.

Bane and Smart have been upgraded from questionable to available, with the latter getting to play in Boston for the first time since the Celtics traded him in the summer of 2023 (Smart was injured last season). He’ll continue to come off the bench, with Bane retaining his place in the starting lineup.

Bane hasn’t missed a game in almost a month, but he is a late addition to the injury report for this game. If he is forced to sit out, Marcus Smart may be able to get the starting nod in return to Boston.

Smart is still listed as questionable, but he intends to make his return to Boston and play against the Celtics for the first time in his career. They drafted him with the 6th pick in 2014, and he spent the first nine years of his career with them before being traded to Memphis ahead of last season. There will surely be some added emotions for him in this game.