Memphis Grizzlies rookie Brandon Clarke is progressing in his recovery from a right quadriceps strain and is expected to return this season, the team announced on Monday.
The first-round pick has missed the past seven games and has not played since Feb. 24 when he left the Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers early after just four minutes. The Grizzlies announced at the time that Clarke would not return because of right hip soreness.
The Grizzlies have taken a cautious approach with injuries this season and did not put an official return date on Clarke, only saying that he will return at some point before the season ends.
The @memgrizz today provided medical updates for forwards Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow.
Press release below. pic.twitter.com/AkeJlUjW1v
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) March 9, 2020
In addition to Clarke, the Grizzlies have also played without Jaren Jackson Jr. recently, who has missed the past eight games with left knee soreness. Without the two players, the team has posted a 4-4 record over the last eight games to maintain a four-game lead for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.
In 50 games played this season, Clarke is averaging 12 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists with the Grizzlies. Clarke previously missed seven games this season with injuries to his oblique, left hip and back.
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