Is Marcus Smart Playing Tonight Against Grizzlies? Latest Injury Update on Lakers' Defensive Stalwart Ahead of NBA Cup Game (Oct. 31)

Marcus Smart could miss his third consecutive game for the LA Lakers on Friday. The Lakers tip off their NBA Cup campaign with a crunch battle against the conference rivals, the Memphis Grizzlies. Ahead of the tie, Smart is listed as "questionable" on the team's injury report owing to a right quad contusion.

The former Defensive Player of the Year missed the last two games owing to the same injury. He last suited up for the Purple and Gold during their 127-120 win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Smart was a starter in that game and clocked 31 minutes. He finished with 11 points, three rebounds and five assists, shooting 3 of 8 from the floor.

Injuries have plagued the Lakers all season, preventing them from fielding a fully healthy roster. With several key players still sidelined, the team is eager to get reinforcements. A potential return from Marcus Smart against the Grizzlies would provide a major boost to JJ Redick’s squad.

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Smart is an elite defender who often guards the opposition team's best player. His energy and intensity on that end of the floor are infectious, which lifts the spirits of everyone on the floor and on the bench.

Furthermore, Smart's ability to run the team as a point guard cannot be understated. The most glaring improvement in his game has been he giant stride he has taken as a shooter. The veteran guard has shot 1 of 7 from beyond the arc for the Lakers in three games, but the numbers are bound to improve as the games pile on.

How to watch LA Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies NBA Cup Game?

The LA Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies game will take place on Friday, Oct. 31, at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will tip off at 9:30 p.m. EST (6:30 p.m. PT).

The Lakers vs. Grizzlies game will be broadcast live on Spectrum SportsNet (local). Live streaming will be available on Prime Video, NBA League Pass and Fubo.

Edited by Atishay Jain