A key player in the NBA has been injured and will miss the upcoming games.

A key player in the NBA has been injured and will miss the upcoming games.

Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies has a left foot sprain that will keep him out for three to five weeks, the team announced Friday.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 134-107 loss on Tuesday. In eight minutes, he had three points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block.

This is yet another setback for the Grizzlies, who are 2-9 without Ja Morant. After the league ruled that his decision to brandish a handgun on multiple Instagram Live videos last season was detrimental conduct, the two-time NBA All-Star was suspended for 25 games. During his suspension, the 24-year-old has been permitted to travel and practice with the team. He can play against the Atlanta Hawks on December 23

In the three-way trade involving Kristaps Porziis, the Boston Celtics sent Smart, a three-time All-Defensive Team selection, to Memphis. The 7-foot-3 power forward/center has played an important role in Boston’s 9-2 start.

“It’s been hard, especially when you’re not used to losing and with this team,” Smart told Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina. “They were the No. 2 seed last year and were used to winning.” They only lost a couple of games. So it’s about accepting that losing is OK and that you can still have fun and be happy. Everything will be fine. It’s crucial for this team to be able to have fun and play even when things aren’t going well. Things start to go right when we have the right mindset.

Marcus Smart will be out for at least three weeks with the Memphis Grizzlies. (Image courtesy of Justin Ford/Getty Images))
Smart was a valuable addition to his new team in 11 games. He averages 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and five assists per game while shooting 42.9% from the field and 29.5% from three. The Grizzlies will hope to see Derrick Rose return to the court in his absence.

Rose has been sidelined for the past seven games due to a left knee injury. If he is unable to play in one of the team’s upcoming back-to-back games against the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics, Jacob Gilyard will likely see increased minutes at point guard.