Grizzlies Get Rough Injury News

 

The Memphis Grizzlies have been tearing it up of late, riding high on an 8-game win streak, locked into 4th in the Western Conference at 27-14. Unfortunately, they'll have to carry on for the next 3-to-5 weeks without Dillon Brooks, the team's 2nd leading scorer. 

ESPN Sources: After suffering a left ankle sprain, Memphis Grizzlies G/F Dillon Brooks is expected to minimally miss three-to-five weeks -- and could stay sidelined through the mid-February All-Star break. Brooks was injured in Memphis' victory over the Clippers on Saturday.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 9, 2022

It happened in the 2nd quarter in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night when Brooks stepped on Brandon Boston's foot on a drive to the basket, spraining his ankle.

Dillon Brooks headed to the locker room after suffering an injury in the 2nd Quarter. pic.twitter.com/yEDWvFN03Y

— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) January 8, 2022

As reported by NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the sprained ankle could keep him out through the All-Star Break. Brooks had only just returned a game earlier from a stint in health and safety protocols. 

The 26-year-old has made himself into one of the most important players on the up-and-coming Grizz. He's steadily improved both his offense and defense over the last three seasons, to the point where he's been averaging 18 a game this year, and 22 points over the last 10 contests, along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. And that's on top of his bulldog-like defence.

His ascension to critical piece for Memphis has even come in the midst of a season in which he's missed 20 games (wrist injury, COVID protocols, now sprained ankle). 

The Grizzlies have also weathered the extended absence of Ja Morant already this season; seemingly nothing can slow down the Memphis express. 

Photo Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports