Marcus Smart Expected to Return Friday, Ruining Opposing Guards' Weekend Plans

Ime Udoka just gave the green light for Marcus Smart to return this Friday from a left forearm strain, which means opposing guards can officially cancel their weekend plans.

The Houston Rockets head coach confirmed his defensive menace is expected back in the lineup after missing multiple games this week. Smart had been sidelined since at least Monday, leaving a massive, charge-drawing void in the middle of the floor.

"Udoka: Marcus Smart (forearm) expected to play Friday."

Getting Smart back is a massive relief for a Houston backcourt that has been taking on water. With Fred VanVleet also dealing with a knee issue recently, the Rockets desperately needed someone who actually enjoys diving on the hardwood to return to the rotation.

A forearm strain for a normal human means struggling to open a jar of pickles for a month. For Smart, it just means he has to use his other arm to instigate a fast-break turnover.

If you are looking at Friday's slate, you have to factor in the incoming chaos. Smart's return immediately shifts the defensive assignments and completely scrambles the prop market for whoever has the misfortune of bringing the ball up the court against him.

We will see how the arm holds up when the ball tips on Friday night. But knowing Smart and his history with Udoka, he is not coming back just to stand in the corner and play decoy.