Report: Grizzlies’ Steven Adams, who is likely to miss the playoffs, originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The Memphis Grizzlies got some bad news during the final weekend of the regular season.
Grizzlies center Steven Adams is reportedly likely to miss the playoffs due to a right knee injury, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday, citing sources.
Adams was originally due to miss about a month after spraining his posterior cruciate ligament in January, but he has not played a game since the injury.
The 29-year-old center has averaged 8.6 points and 11.5 rebounds for Memphis this season. The team has played 23-16 without Adams in the lineup compared to 28-14 with him.
Despite being the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are still up in the air for their first-round opponent.
Memphis will face off against the winner of the #7 vs. #8 play-in game, which could also include Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans or Minnesota Timberwolves.
If the Grizzlies survive the first round, they play the No. 3 winner Sacramento Kings and No. 6 Matchup – this could still be any of the five teams above.
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Adams’ absence will add even less depth than expected for the Grizzlies as tall substitute Brandon Clarke is also out for the playoffs with a torn Achilles tendon.
The Grizzlies converted rookie forward Kenneth Lofton Jr.’s two-way contract to a standard NBA contract after receiving the news about Adams. Lofton, the G League Rookie of the Year, is just 6ft 6 but has been averaging 10.5 rebounds per game for the Memphis Hustle this season.
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