The Memphis Grizzlies are set to be without starting center Steven Adams after he was diagnosed with a sprained PCL in his right knee.
His injury comes at a tough time for the Grizzlies, who are riding a three-game losing streak on their road trip. They currently sit second in the Western Conference standings, 2.5 games back of the Denver Nuggets for the top spot.
What’s next for Adams and the Grizzlies? Here is what we know about his injury and what it means moving forward.
What is Steven Adams’ injury?
Adams sustained the injury late in Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns and sat out Monday’s 33-point loss to the Sacramento Kings with what was described as knee soreness.
He was seen limping as he left the locker room following the loss to the Suns and after further evaluation, he was officially diagnosed with a PCL strain.
Through 42 games, Adams is averaging 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 59.7 percent shooting in 27.0 minutes per game.
How long will Steven Adams be out?
Adams has officially been ruled out for three to five weeks, the Grizzlies announced today.
The @memgrizz announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/jxlWsRJDll
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 25, 2023
Adams’ presence in the paint has been a huge factor in the Grizzlies’ success this season, with the Kiwi leading the NBA in offensive rebounds (6.5) and second in total rebounds (11.5).
They will look to the likes of Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman, and Sanit Aldama to replace his production, with Jaren Jackson Jr. likely to spend more time at the five in small-ball lineups.
Grizzlies’ upcoming schedule
Here are the upcoming games on the Grizzlies’ schedule through to the All-Star break.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Jan. 25 | at Warriors | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 27 | at Timberwolves | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Jan. 29 | vs. Pacers | 6:00 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 1 | vs. Trail Blazers | 7:00 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 2 | at Cavaliers | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 5 | vs. Raptors | 6:00 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 7 | vs. Bulls | 8:00 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 10 | vs. Timberwolves | 8:00 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 12 | at Celtics | 2:00 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 15 | vs. Jazz | 8:00 p.m. | — |
Steven Adams career stats, highlights
- 9.2 points per game
- 8.2 rebounds per game
- 1.5 assists per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 1.0 blocks per game
- 26.8 minutes per game
- 58.7 percent field goal shooting
