The Memphis Grizzlies are up against the Boston Celtics tonight at FedExForum in a home game. The Grizzlies are coming off a double-digit victory against the San Antonio Spurs on November 18th, while the Celtics are on a five-game winning streak. What better entertainment could it be to watch the No. 1 of the Eastern Conference fight against the No. 13 of the Western Conference? However, the game could have been a little more interesting if the point guard had started tonight’s game. But it’s ‘not-so-good’ news for Marcus Smart, as he is ruled out for the night.

Do you think Smart would have made all the right moves if he had been on the hardwood tonight to beat the franchise that traded him away?

Marcus Smart-less Grizzlies vs. Celtics 

In a recent one-on-one with Abby Chin, a sports journalist from Boston, the Grizzlies’ guard spilled some feelings about tonight. When asked about whether he regrets being off the list for tonight since the player is suffering a sprain on the left foot, “The Cobra” had nothing but regret. He said, “Not to be a part of it is definitely devastating.”

“Not to be a part of it is definitely devastating.” @tvabby caught up with @smart_MS3 in Memphis and he spoke about being ruled OUT tonight vs. the Celtics

The NBA fans were excited to see Smart play. Revenge games against the former teams are always an affair that viewers enjoy, but unfortunately, the fans will have to wait. Along with Smart, four other players are sitting out of this game. Apart from Ja Morant being missing due to a suspension; Steven Adams, Xavier Tillman, Derrick Rose, and Luke Kennard have also been listed as ‘out’, citing various precautionary injury reasons.

Although Jaylen Brown was ‘questionable’ for tonight owing to a right adductor strain, the Celtics seem pretty much packed for the night. No doubt it’s going to be a tough night for the Grizzlies since they are going against a capable and healthy team on the second night of a back-to-back. However, Smart’s trade-off would capture more attention if the player could set foot on the floor tonight.

Marcus Smart and the trade-off 

The Boston Celtics president, Brad Stevens, had an explanation to cite regarding the trade-off earlier this September. In an interview with the WEEI Boston Sports Original, Stevens mentioned how the two superstars of the Celtics, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, could grow in their leadership once the trade-off was projected. Combining the reason with ‘roster balancing’ challenges, Stevens cited some issues with the depth of their front court as the probable reason.

Read More: Marcus Smart Gets Brutally Honest About Suspended Ja Morant’s Presence Around Grizzlies Camp

The player didn’t seem to match the qualities that the Celtics needed to have in a team leader, and that led to a dreaded trade earlier this season. By adding Kristaps Porzingis to the franchise, they might indeed be setting the stage for a win tonight.

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Do you think Marcus Smart would have had a different impact on the Grizzlies had he played today? Let us know in the comments.