The Memphis Grizzlies announced that backup center will miss the remainder of the season due to a “high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee.”
The injury happened against Portland last Wednesday as Clarke defended Scoot Henderson on a drive to the basket.
This is a tough blow for Clarke and the Grizzlies.
This marks another unfortunate injury for Clarke, who had already missed nearly all of last season due to a torn Achilles. It cut short a strong comeback campaign in which he averaged 8.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while also contributing solid defense.
For the Grizzlies, Clarke’s absence is a significant blow to their frontcourt depth. He was a reliable presence off the bench and served as a key anchor for Memphis’ second unit. Clarke also started 14 games this season when Jaren Jackson Jr. was sidelined. With his injury, the Grizzlies now face a thinner frontcourt as they head into the playoffs.
Memphis has dropped three consecutive games, falling to fifth in the West, though they remain just one game behind the Denver Nuggets at No. 3 (with the now-healthy Lakers in fourth). The Grizzlies are only three games behind the No. 2 seed, Houston. However, they must also keep an eye on the surging Warriors, who are now just two games behind them with 11 games remaining.
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