Grizzlies center Marc Gasol leaves game with sprained ankle
Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol left Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers with a sprained left ankle, exiting in the first quarter and not returning after 10 minutes on the court.
Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger had no update on Gasol after the game. ESPN reported that Gasol wore a protective walking boot on the left foot while leaving the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and that a Grizzlies spokesman said X-rays taken on the ankle were negative.
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When asked if he would be available to play in the Grizzlies/' next game at the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, he smiled and said, "If possible, I will get myself ready to play."
Gasol left the game with 2:10 remaining in the first quarter. In his 10 minutes, he recorded two points, two rebounds and two assists.
[daily_cut.nba]The 30-year-old center is averaging a career-high 17.4 points with 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game for the Grizzlies, who lost to the Clippers 94–86. Both teams are fighting for the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference, and Saturday's result left them both at 54–26 with two games remaining.
The Grizzlies hold the tiebreaker over the Clippers since they lead the Southwest Division, while the Clippers are 11 games behind the Golden State Warriors in the Pacific Division.
The Grizzlies will play at the Golden State Warriors on Monday before ending the regular season at home on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.
- Mike Fiammetta
