MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Friday that both Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart, key starters for the team, will be sidelined for an unspecified number of games due to injuries sustained during their recent match.

In a game against Brooklyn on Wednesday night, which ended in a 119-106 defeat for the Grizzlies, both players were hurt. Bane is dealing with a strain in his right oblique muscle, while Smart has a sprain in his right ankle. The team has reported that both players are currently classified as week-to-week as they recover.

Marcus Smart, who had a challenging season last year, was injured early in the first quarter of the game. Desmond Bane sustained his injury later, in the third quarter. As a result, neither player participated in the Grizzlies’ subsequent game against Milwaukee on Thursday, where the team secured a 122-99 victory.

Bane has been a significant contributor to the Grizzlies’ offense, averaging 18.8 points per game, making his absence a considerable loss for the team. Meanwhile, after playing only 20 games last season due to various injuries, Smart’s current condition raises concerns about his continued availability moving forward.

The Grizzlies hold a record of 3-3 for the season and will be facing the Philadelphia 76ers in their next matchup on Saturday. The team will need to adapt quickly in light of these injuries as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the league.