What happened: The NBA issued a three-game suspension to Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart following an altercation in Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. The 32-year-old threw a punch at an opposing player and was ejected immediately from the contest. Smart walked back to the locker room before officials rendered the formal ejection ruling.
Why it matters: The absence temporarily thins Houston's backcourt after the team officially signed the veteran guard in July. Houston sits third in the Western Conference at 9-3 and must navigate the upcoming stretch without its defensive perimeter reserve.
By the numbers: Smart has recorded 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in 2026-27 through nine games. Houston is 9-3 through 12 games following Wednesday's 115-108 victory over Golden State, while the Warriors stand at 8-4.
What to watch: Smart will begin serving the three-game ban immediately during Houston's regular-season schedule. The Rockets will redistribute backcourt minutes across their guard rotation until Smart is cleared to return.