Washington Wizards DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (thumb) is available to play in Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. After missing the start of the season while recovering from thumb surgery, Brogdon is ready to return to action. The 31-year-old veteran is expected to compete for a role off the bench in the Wizards' backcourt. Brogdon's 2023-24 season was limited to just 39 games with Portland, and he has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons. His role and fit with the Wizards will be something to watch as the season progresses.

Memphis Grizzlies guardMarcus Smart(ankle) is still listed asquestionablebut is on track to play in Wednesday's contest versus the Lakers,Shams Charaniareported on ESPN's "NBA Today." The 30-year-old Smart has missed the last six games with a right ankle sprain.Before being sidelined, he started the Grizzlies first five contests, averaging 5.6 points, 2.8 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His return will impactScotty Pippen Jr.'s usage, but he should still be involved. He remains a solid fantasy option until their star point guard, Ja Morant(hip), returns.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is nearing his return to action and could be back on the court Wednesday versus the Lakers. He practiced on Tuesday and has been listed as questionable for the game. The defensive specialist has previously carried a doubtful tag. Smart has missed six games with a right ankle sprain. Smart's return is bound to impact Scotty Pippen Jr.'s usage, but he should still be heavily involved and remains a good fantasy option until the Grizzlies get back their starting point guard Ja Morant (hip).

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) will miss another game as he rehabs from ankle surgery in the off-season. This doesn't come as surprising news as there haven't been many updates on his injury status in practice lately. While he remains out, Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince continue to see big minutes with the starting five. The Bucks fell to 1-5 to start the year though, so they'll be looking forward to inserting Middleton into the lineup when he's ready.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle, an injury he sustained during the October 30 meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. He is considered "week-to-week." Smart is no stranger to injury, with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appearing in just 20 games in his first season with the Grizzlies in 2023-24. With that said, it's not an ideal scenario for the team, especially with Desmond Bane (oblique) also on the shelf. But in the meantime, Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Scotty Pippen Jr. should continue to benefit from a production standpoint, so fantasy managers can consider each player for streaming purposes until Smart or Bane are back on the floor.