MEMPHIS, Tenn — The beginning of the Grizzlies season is about a week away. Memphis has one preseason game left before the season opener on Oct. 25 against the New Orleans Pelicans. One Grizzlies player that's yet to hit the floor in the preseason is Marcus Smart.
On Tuesday, Smart was seen practicing with his teammates. In the open media period, Smart participated in three-point shooting competitions with fellow guards Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard.
Smart is recovering from an oblique abdominal injury he said happened during practice. It has kept him out of the first four preseason games, but he said he finally feels good and promised he'd make his first appearance in a Grizzlies uniform Friday, when Memphis will play the Milwaukee Bucks in Fiserv Forum, and be ready for the season opener.
"I've been doing this going on 10 years now. I know how long it takes to get myself going. I'll be ready to play in the first game and in the preseason game," Smart told media Tuesday.
The Grizzlies will depend on Smart's experience to ensure a fast start after not having played most of the preseason. He'll use practice reps and Friday's game to better acclimate himself to his teammates.
"Being able to have those game reps to feel it out, to feel how when it's game time how these guys like the ball, where they like it, do they like to move, when they like the ball, is definitely key," Smart said.
Smart will likely be in the starting lineup as the starting point guard until Ja Morant's suspension is finished. One player vying for a starting role to begin the year is Ziaire Williams.
The third year forward spent much of 2022 dealing with injuries. Over the summer he entered into an intensive weight training program, and now Williams says his body feels healthy and he's playing with confidence.
"No aches, no bruises, no wear and tear stuff so far. Just trying to stay on top of that," Williams said. "Just staying confident and letting it fly, man. Coach and all my teammates keep telling me, 'If you're open, shoot it. We trust you.' That means the world to me."
The Grizzlies play their final preseason game Friday night in Milwaukee.
