Memphis Grizzlies provide injury updates on Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose and Luke Kennard
Eleven games into the Memphis Grizzlies' season, only four players — Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., David Roddy and Kenneth Lofton Jr. — of the 16-man roster have been healthy and active for each game.
Injuries have played a role in the team's 2-9 start. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins provided updates on Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose and Luke Kennard.
Smart injured his left ankle in the first quarter of Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. His availability for the back-to-back games this weekend against the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics remains unknown.
"More evaluations still being done with the ankle sprain," Jenkins said. "He's with our doctors right now kind of getting checked out. Then we'll have more of an update . . . "
Kennard also left Tuesday's game in the first half with left knee soreness. Jenkins initially stated that his absence was more precautionary. Kennard worked out Thursday, and the team will monitor his progress going into Friday and Saturday. Jenkins said the guard's status is day-to-day.
Rose has missed the past seven games due to a left knee injury. With Smart and Ja Morant also out, the Grizzlies could use more depth at point guard.
According to Jenkins, Rose is close to making his return. He participated in a play-group Thursday and "did really well."
"We're targeting sometime hopefully in this back-to-back," Jenkins said. "Not sure if it's going to be the front end or the back end."
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Memphis Grizzlies giving 50,000 meals to community
Grizzlies players, coaches and staff members were able to take a step away from basketball Thursday and give back to the Memphis community. The organization partnered with Meals of Hope to package 50,000 meals that will be donated to three nonprofits: My Town Miracles, Mid-South Food Bank and Klondike Smokey City CDC.
"This is an opportunity to get away and not only do something outside of basketball, but something bigger than us by helping out some people that are less fortunate," Bane said. "It's a good balance for sure."
The nonprofits will distribute the breakfast and dinner meals to families in Orange Mound, Frayser, Raleigh and Klondike Smokey City.
The Grizzlies wanted to do a food giveaway event, which led to them connecting with Meals of Hope. Members of the organization and many of the Grizzlies players showed up to volunteer and help put together 50,000 meals. The initial number was 25,000, but the team decided to double it.
"We said, 'No, we can do more,' " said Abusheri Ohwofasa, Grizzlies vice president and executive director of community engagement. "We're all here, rolling up our sleeves, getting sweaty and just trying to our part."
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies provide injury updates on Derrick Rose, Marcus Smart
