Tough Break For Grizzlies, To Be Without Big Man For Several Weeks

The Memphis Grizzlies got some bad news on the injury front late Tuesday night, as it was revealed that center Steven Adams suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee. He's expected to be sidelined for anywhere from three to five weeks.

The Grizzlies announce Steven Adams will miss 3-5 weeks with a sprained PCL in his right knee pic.twitter.com/uB6eqI0saD

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 25, 2023

Adams is averaging 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and about a steal and a block per game. He's also shooting 59.7% from the floor.  

The injury for Steven Adams happened on the final play of the game against the Phoenix Suns. I saw him limping pretty heavily yesterday.

Suddenly, Xavier Tillman Sr.‘s role just got a lot larger as the No. 1 rebounding team in the NBA is missing one of the best in the game.

— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) January 25, 2023

The injury occurred at the end of their game on Sunday, in the Grizzlies' loss to the Phoenix Suns. As noted by Grizzlies beat reporter Damichael Cole, Adams' absence could open up a more substantial role for 3rd-year power forward Xavier Tillman Sr. The 24-year-old is averaging 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game. 

Without Adams, the league's 4th-leading rebounder on Monday night, Memphis was dominated on the glass by the Sacramento Kings 53-31. They were also without Ja Morant (ankle soreness) for that game, but the good news is that Morant will return Wednesday night in their contest against the Golden State Warriors.

The Grizz have now dropped three straight, but are still solidly entrenched in 2nd spot in the Western Conference at 31-16, 3.5 games up on the Kings. 

Photo:  Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports