Is Marcus Smart playing tonight against the Warriors? Latest on Grizzlies guard's availability (Dec. 19)

Marcus Smart has played in the last 10 games for the Memphis Grizzlies despite dealing with minor knee and ankle problems. The Grizzlies are set to host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday at the FedEx Forum. But is Smart playing tonight against the Warriors?

According to the latest report, Smart has been ruled out from the game after being listed as doubtful with soreness on his left shoulder. It's a new injury, so the Grizzlies are likely taking a precaution on him. He was evaluated before the game, and was downgraded to out.

In addition to Smart, the Grizzlies have six more injuries, including Ja Morant, who is tagged as questionable. Jay Huff, GG Jackson II and Vince Williams Jr. are all out with injuries, while Colin Castleton and crowd favorite Yuki Kawamura are in the NBA G League.

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What happened to Marcus Smart?

Marcus Smart has been plagued by injuries since the Boston Celtics sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the Kristaps Porzingis three-team trade. Smart was limited to just 20 games last season due to ankle and finger injuries.

The former Defensive Player of the Year started the season healthy, playing in the first five games before suffering a sprained ankle on Oct. 30 against the Brooklyn Nets. He missed six games before returning on Nov. 13 and playing the next two games.

However, Smart suffered an undisclosed illness and had to miss four more games. He was cleared on Nov. 25 and has not missed a game since. He dealt with minor ankle and knee problems in the past 10 games, but played through them.

It's unclear when injured his left shoulder, but the Grizzlies are cautious with those types of injuries. Ja Morant missed the rest of the season after suffering a shoulder injury last January.

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Who will step up if Marcus Smart is out against Golden State?

The Memphis Grizzlies are probably used to a lot of injuries by now after what they went through last season. The Grizzlies have the depth to deal with Marcus Smart's possible absence against the Golden State Warriors.

Coach Taylor Jenkins will likely depend on Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and John Konchar. Kennard and LaRavia are part of Jenkins' rotation already and could take more minutes, while Konchar has only appeared in 12 games this season so far.

Smart has primarily come off the bench this season due to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane occupying the backcourt spots. He can play small forward, but he's undersized. He can still play defense, but can also be a playmaker and scorer when needed.

The 30-year-old is averaging 9.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game this season.