Memphis Grizzlies forward Karim Lopez was ruled out of the game at the Kings with a right knee issue. He had been listed as day-to-day. Memphis is 2-0 without him and will again be short on the frontcourt, with Zach Edey also out.
What happened
Karim Lopez was moved from day-to-day to out on the injury report posted Sunday, Oct 25 at 8:20 PM ET. The listing is a right knee and leg issue. He was day-to-day with the same designation earlier Sunday. The report's comment reads that Lopez (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Kings, but the status itself is out. His earlier timeline shows a day-to-day listing for an undisclosed issue on Sep 6, and he was cleared from day-to-day on Oct 5. The report lists an expected return of Oct 26. No diagnosis or further detail was announced.
What it means for the Grizzlies
Memphis plays at the Kings on Sunday, Oct 25 at 9:00 PM ET. The Grizzlies are 2-0, hold the third seed and are on a two-game winning streak. Lopez, 19, has not played yet for them this season, so the record with him is 0-0 and the record without him is 2-0. Zach Edey is also out with a left ankle and leg issue. In the first two games, Cameron Boozer led the rotation at 35.3 minutes and 16.0 points. Ty Jerome averaged 31.6 minutes and 36.5 points. Cedric Coward played 27.8 minutes, Jaylen Wells 26.3 and Jerami Grant 25.2. Quinten Post added 19.6 minutes and Scotty Pippen Jr. 18.4.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Lopez's status changes. The report lists an expected return of Oct 26, but the team has not announced a specific game or a timeline beyond that. Edey is also out, so Memphis' frontcourt minutes are worth tracking. Watch whether Post and Grant keep their roles. The Grizzlies take a 2-0 record and a two-game winning streak into the game at the Kings.
Is Karim Lopez playing at the Kings?
No. Lopez is out for Sunday's game at the Kings, Oct 25 at 9:00 PM ET, with a right knee and leg issue. He had been day-to-day.
When will Karim Lopez be back?
No firm timeline is announced. The injury report lists an expected return of Oct 26, but no game or further detail has been given.