MEMPHIS — Iman Shumpert may not test his hip flexor in Tuesday’s first game out of the All-Star break, but J.R. Smith is going to test his new mask against the Grizzlies — even if it hasn’t been refitted.
Shumpert is listed as questionable after hurting his hip flexor against Sacramento last week. Smith’s status is questionable in terms of how he will play with a mask that will cover his broken left cheekbone.
Smith complained last week the mask didn’t fit him correctly and wanted the medical staff to adjust it. His request fell on deaf ears.
“I’m going to play regardless if adjustments were made or not,’’ said Smith, who refused to suit up for the Sacramento loss because he was unhappy with the mask. “I can’t just keep missing games. I shot around with it. It was all right. It feels the same. I’ll just practice with it and go through with it.’’
He has already had a conversation with Richard Hamilton, who played with a mask the latter portion of his career.
“He said fight through it,’’ Smith said. “It’s going to feel weird at first but once you get used to it you’re not going to want to take it off. It’s the same mask. They were supposed to [adjust the mask], but it didn’t happen.”
Smith, who has had a disappointing season after winning the league’s Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2013, complained last week the mask made it tough to breathe and was tight over his nose and mouth. He also was concerned about losing his vision if he got hit in that spot while playing without the mask.
“It’s still basketball,’’ Smith said. “As long as I can see the rim, I’ll be all right.”