Xavier Tillman Sr. is fifth Memphis Grizzlies player in health and safety protocols
Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman Sr. is entering health and safety protocols, joining four teammates. He's the first in the frontcourt.
The loss of Tillman comes three games after Brandon Clarke's return, but losing Tillman creates a ripple effect. If De'Anthony Melton, John Konchar or Dillon Brooks don't test out of protocols before Friday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, Kyle Anderson will likely start at small forward again, which leaves Clarke and Killian Tillie as the lone backup big men.
The NBA changed its isolation period from 10 days to six if players are asymptomatic and meeting other COVID testing standards. Brooks and Melton were publicly listed in protocols on Dec. 26, and Konchar joined on Dec. 28.
The Grizzlies are second in the NBA in rebounds per game and first in second chance points. Tillman is averaging 4.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. His 10.1 offensive rebounding percentage only trails Clarke, Steven Adams and Santi Aldama.
Aldama is listed as questionable for Friday's game with a right ankle injury. Yves Pons was also removed from health and safety protocols before Wednesday's game against the Lakers and could be another option to fill in at power forward.
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Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman Sr. now in COVID protocols
