Jaylen Wells

While Smart being sidelined does hurt the Grizzlies from a depth standpoint, Desmond Bane's availability will help mitigate the impact. He, John Konchar, and Luke Kennard will all be part of the rotation, as will recent starters Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells. If Pippen is sitting on your league's waiver wire, pick him up. He'll have value until Ja Morant (hip) returns.

Friday's game will be Bane's first since October 30, so fantasy managers should plan for his minutes to be restricted. In time, his return will impact Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama the most, with the latter most likely to become irrelevant in fantasy basketball leagues.

Bane, who has not appeared in a game since October 30, is closing in on a return. His availability will impact Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama the most, as they've been used at shooting guard and small forward, respectively. Of the two, Aldama is better equipped to withstand Bane's return concerning fantasy value.

The Grizzlies are without Brandon Clarke, so Huff receives the starting nod rather than Zach Edey. The promotion gives Huff's fantasy value a modest boost. Also, Marcus Smart is available but will come off the bench. Fantasy managers who currently have Jaylen Wells rostered should hold onto him until that changes.

For most of his time on the sideline, the Grizzlies have not hesitated to rule Smart out. Therefore, the doubtful tag may indicate that his return is on the horizon. How close Smart is to returning isn't known, but the Grizzlies can use him with Ja Morant (hip) sidelined. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells should play starters' minutes until the Grizzlies get healthy on the perimeter, and the former should be rostered in standard leagues.