Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol sent a scare to fans after leaving early in the fourth quarter with a right ankle injury during Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets.
The 7-foot-1 center was immediately check out by the trainers, taking off his shoe and heading to the locker room shortly after.
Marc Gasol has a sore right ankle & will not return. pic.twitter.com/dIQUbNhYZT
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) October 16, 2016
The big man seemed to be alright, coming back shortly after making his way to the locker room, looking a lot more relaxed.
Marc Gasol walked back to the bench in sweatpants and slapped five with Vince Carter. No noticeable limp.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 16, 2016
Gasol said he's fine, foot was stiff earlier in the day. He said when he's fine. Told the people of Memphis not to worry.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 16, 2016
Gasol has just returned after receiving from surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot back in February. The 31-year-old has more than $93 million left on a five-year extension he signed last year.
The Spaniard is the centerpiece of a team that's rejuvenated, adding pieces like Chandler Parsons and giving the nod to young JaMychal Green to start in place of Zach Randolph.
Regardless of severity, Marc Gasol might be kept out of the Grizzlies' final preseason games in order to let the injury heal; after all, the team might be better served giving playing time to players battling for a roster spot.
The Grizzlies ended the night on a much cheerier note. They won a double overtime shootout 134-125 over the Rockets, allowing some extra minutes for their young players.