Another Grizzlies star injured after team lost Ja Morant for the season

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart will miss at least six weeks because of an injury to his right ring finger.

His injury came days after fellow guard Ja Morant was lost for the season. Morant had surgery Thursday to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder and is ‘expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season.”

Morant was injured during practice Saturday. The two-time All-Star was in a sling for a game against Phoenix on Sunday, and the season-ending news came a day later.

It was the latest setback for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft. He was suspended for the first 25 games for displaying a gun on social media, his second such suspension in less than a year after missing eight games last season for a similar offense.

Morant returned from the 25-game suspension and averaged 25.1 points in nine games, with the Grizzlies going 6-3 in those contests. But they are well under .500 without their best player, dimming Memphis’ playoff prospects after qualifying the past three seasons.

Smart’s absence will surely affect the team’s backcourt. He is averaging 14.5 points and 4.3 assists a game.