Memphis Grizzlies Declare Steven Adams Out for Thursday's Game Against Philadelphia 76ers

The Memphis Grizzlies will be without their overpowering big man for a little while longer. Speaking at his Wednesday press conference, coach Taylor Jenkins declared Steven Adams out for Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Steven Adams ruled out for tomorrow night per Taylor Jenkins. Sounded like this weekend also unlikely.
— Chris Herrington (@ChrisHerrington) February 22, 2023

Adams has been unavailable since spraining his PCL in a 112-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on January 22nd. At the time, he was expected to be out for three to five weeks. His absence has coincided with a brutal stretch for the Grizzlies in which they've compiled a 4-7 record. His 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game have been sorely missed.

Despite Adams' absence, the Grizzlies are 35-22 and second in the Western Conference. They're three games ahead of the third-place Sacramento Kings (32-35), and they should be able to hold off the new-look Dallas Mavericks (31-29) and Phoenix Suns (32-28). If the Grizzlies can reestablish the momentum they built early in the season, they can be contenders in the playoffs; they were an impressive 31-13 at one point this season.

Following their return from the All-Star break against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, the Grizzlies host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.