The Memphis Grizzlies could use some more healthy players because they're currently running out. An injury to point guard Mario Chalmers on Wednesday night left Memphis with just eight active players during its game against the Boston Celtics. The team's bench looked awfully desolate as a result of the lack of personnel.
The Grizzlies’ bench is very lonely after Mario Chalmers leaves with injury
Chalmers is out for the season with a torn ACL.
things are lonely on the grizzlies bench :( pic.twitter.com/MO5Kh2pVVL
— Friendly Bounce (@FriendlyBounce) March 10, 2016
On Thursday, the team announced Chalmers tore his achilles. The Grizzlies waived him to create a roster spot, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. Chalmers will be a free agent this summer. Wednesday night’s game in Boston could have been his last with the Grizzlies.
Chalmers' injury is the latest for the team that's been beset by a number of absences in recent weeks. Star big man Marc Gasol is out for the year after undergoing foot surgery. Power forward Zach Randolph, point guard Mike Conley and center Chris Andersen are also sidelined.
The Grizzlies had just eight active players for their 106-103 upset of the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday night. Tony Allen led the way with 26 points, while Chalmers and Lance Stephenson scored 17 apiece in the victory. It was an impressive effort for a team missing several starters.
Memphis upgraded to having nine players active against Boston, but couldn’t get through the whole game with that number. Chalmers went down on a non-contact play in the third quarter with what appeared to be a right leg injury. He needed help off the court, and from all indications it could be serious.
Mario Chalmers down, needs to be helped off. Saw him say, "I heard it pop."
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) March 10, 2016
Memphis no longer has a traditional point guard with Chalmers out, which means the return of Conley will be anxiously awaited. For now, Allen, Stephenson, JaMychal Green, Ryan Hollins, Matt Barnes, Vince Carter, P.J. Hairston and Jarell Martin will eat up minutes for the Grizzlies. That group may not seem too impressive, but considering the victory against Cleveland, maybe it shouldn't be underestimated.
Randolph, Conley and Andersen should be back for Memphis eventually, which is good news considering the team is still in the thick of the playoff race. The Grizzlies are currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 38-26 record after their loss to Boston. They could use some more bodies, that’s for sure.
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