Out until at least November
Williams will likely be re-evaluated later this month before the Grizzlies potentially clear him to resume basketball activities, but he'll require some ramp-up time after he missed all of training camp and the preseason with a stress reaction in the upper portion of his left tibia. As a second-year player in 2023-24, Williams saw ample playing time for a Grizzlies squad that was decimated by injuries, finishing the season with 10.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 three-pointers, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks in 27.6 minutes over his 56 appearances. He should be part of the rotation when healthy, but Williams will be looking at a smaller role if the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart are able to stay on the court more frequently in 2024-25.
Oct 21, 20:30
MEM
Still weeks away from playing
The rookie second-round pick sustained what was believed to be a minor ankle sprain during the Las Vegas Summer League, but he remained a limited participant at the start of training camp and never saw any preseason action. Spencer's NBA debut looks like it will be delayed until at least November, and because he's occupying one of the Grizzlies' three two-way slots, he'll presumably pick up his first minutes in the G League with the Memphis Hustle rather than the parent club.
Oct 21, 20:25
MEM
Likely to start in opener
Jackson has been tending to what head coach Taylor Jenkins has referred to as a "low-grade hamstring strain" since the Grizzlies' first preseason practice, and though the standout big man is progressing well, he'll need to take part in more 5-on-5 work this week until Memphis signs off on him making his debut. With Jackson out for Wednesday and likely Friday against the Rockets in the front end of a back-to-back set, Aldama looks to be the next man up to join the second unit. Aldama should provide the Grizzlies with a floor-stretching element in the frontcourt next to rookie center Zach Edey, while Brandon Clarke should be the first big man off the bench and could serve as the top backup at both power forward and center. Aldama could have a fairly clear path to a 25-plus-minute role while Jackson is sidelined, but look for Aldama's playing time to tail off considerably once Jackson is ready to make his 2024-25 debut.
Oct 21, 20:13
MEM
Out for first week
Kennard can be safely ruled out for Wednesday's opener versus the Jazz as well as the Grizzlies' weekend back-to-back set Friday and Saturday versus the Rockets and Magic, respectively, while he recovers from foot soreness, which he suffered during a preseason contest last week. Of the five players the Grizzlies have ruled out for the season opener, Kennard and Jaren Jackson (hamstring) look to be the closest to returning, but Kennard is still likely in line for a bench role behind starting wings Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart once he's cleared to debut.
Oct 21, 20:02
To miss Opening Night
According to coach Taylor Jenkins, he wants Jackson to get a couple more days of conditioning work and some 5-on-5 scrimmaging before getting the green light. A return against Houston on Friday isn't out of the question, but it sounds like Saturday's home game versus Orlando is the more realistic return target. In the meantime, guys like Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey and Santi Aldama could have more opportunity in the frontcourt.
Oct 21, 14:39