Grizzlies' Conley returns in Game 2 against Warriors
There is hope for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Injured point guard Mike Conley will play in Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, reports Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports.
Conley figures to get the start at point guard and will not be subject to a minutes restriction, according to Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com.
Conley was reportedly unlikely to see action in Game 2 due to the metal plate installed in his face last week after he sustained an elbow to the eye socket in the Grizzlies' first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers. Conley said later Monday that he believed he would see some action in Tuesday's contest, adding that he'd been medically cleared to play.
True to his word, the 27-year-old point guard, clad in a face mask, participated in shootaround Tuesday afternoon.
Coach Dave Joerger w/ @mconley11 @MacBo50 @MarcGasol at Game 2 Shootaround #GSWvMEM pic.twitter.com/vMcXaNVnAu
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 5, 2015
Averaging 15.8 points, 5.4 assists, three rebounds and 1.3 steals during the regular season, the Grizzlies are missing Conley on the court against the Warriors and MVP Stephen Curry.
Memphis needs Mike Conley back.
With Conley on the floor, the Grizz score almost 13 more points per 100 possessions. pic.twitter.com/fxLn9EltTu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 5, 2015
Given that Conley is still hampered by his facial injury and a lingering foot problem, the Grizzlies might shy away from the Curry-Conley defensive matchup at first.
Golden State dominated Memphis to claim Game 1 of the series 101-86.