The scorching hot Memphis Grizzlies, who have just collected nine straight wins, will have a tall task ahead on Tuesday night as the high-flying Golden State Warriors visit the FedExForum. While Ja Morant and Desmond Bane are expected to suit up, another key piece of their rotation recently hurt his ankle. That being said, is Dillon Brooks playing vs the Warriors?
Is Dillon Brooks playing vs Warriors?
Unfortunately, Brooks is facing a multi-week absence. In the second quarter of Sunday's win over the Clippers, the Grizzlies forward fell awkwardly as he went up for a lay-up. The Canadian is expected to be out for quite some time, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported:
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
This is definitely quite the blow for Memphis because Brooks is important to this team on both ends of the floor. Injuries have haunted him in 2021/22 though, already missing time with a wrist problem, COVID-19, and now this latest setback. In fact, Brooks has only played in 21 of a possible 42 games. However, the 25-year-old is showing out when available, averaging 18.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He's the second-leading scorer on the Grizzlies roster behind Morant.
The worst part is that Brooks literally just returned to action after spending time in the league's health and safety protocols. Sunday's contest was just his second appearance since December 23rd vs Golden State. 3-5 weeks is far from ideal, but at least it's not a season-ending injury. If the Grizzlies are going to be a legitimate contender come playoff time, they'll need Brooks at full strength.
We also saw what he can do in the heat of the postseason, averaging 25.8 points in the first round last year against Utah in five games, while shooting 40% from three-point land. Brooks is a key cog for the Grizzlies and let's hope he can get healthy sooner rather than later. Memphis will need to stay afloat without him for the time being, but that shouldn't be too difficult if the likes of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson continue to step up alongside Ja.
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