Marcus Smart could return on Tuesday

The Memphis Grizzlies have elevated Marcus Smart’s status to questionable for Tuesday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Smart, who has been inching closer to a comeback, seems likely to return either later this week or possibly as early as Tuesday.

Having been absent for the past 17 games due to a severe ankle sprain suffered in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 14, Smart is on the verge of making his return.

Before the injury, he had started in the initial 11 games of the season for the Memphis Grizzlies.