Marcus Smart is Back to Ruin Opposing Guards' Friday Nights

Marcus Smart’s forearm has officially survived whatever mysterious ailment kept him in street clothes this week.

Underdog NBA reported that the veteran guard is available to play on Friday. After missing time with a left forearm strain, the Houston Rockets are finally putting their defensive anchor back in the rotation.

"Marcus Smart (forearm) available to play Friday. - @UnderdogNBA"

Smart is averaging 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in his two appearances this year. That is the kind of stat line that makes fantasy managers question their life choices, but we all know you do not roster Marcus Smart for his shooting splits. You roster him because he is willing to dive into the third row for a loose ball in November.

The Rockets have somehow started the season a flawless 5-0 without needing him to save them. They are currently sitting on a league-best 123.4 offensive rating, which is objectively hilarious for a team that usually relies on grinding out rock fights.

Now they get their primary defensive irritant back just in time for a Friday night Texas showdown against the Dallas Mavericks.

For anyone staring at the betting board, Smart’s availability completely changes the perimeter math. You do not need a spreadsheet to know that throwing a healthy Smart at an opponent shifts the live lines, especially when it comes to player props for opposing guards.

We will see if the medical staff puts him on a minutes restriction in Dallas. Until then, expect the Rockets to keep rolling while the rest of the West tries to figure out how to score on a team that just got its biggest headache back on the floor.