Scotty Pippen Jr. was ruled out for Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings with a back injury, a day after he was listed as day-to-day. Memphis plays the Kings at 5-0 without Pippen or Ty Jerome, who is also out with a back injury.
What happened
Pippen was downgraded to out at 7:48 PM ET on Saturday, Oct. 31, twelve minutes before the 8:00 PM tip against the Kings. The injury report lists a back injury. He had been day-to-day with the same back issue since Friday, Oct. 30. Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian reported that Pippen has been ruled out for Saturday's game. This is his second injury listing of the fall. He was day-to-day with a right toe issue on Sept. 6 and was cleared on Oct. 1.
What it means for the Grizzlies
Memphis hosts Sacramento at 5-0, first in the seeding and on a five-game winning streak. Pippen has played in all five games, averaging 16.0 minutes, 6.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists off the bench. The backcourt is thinner than usual. Ty Jerome, who averages 29.9 minutes and a team-high 25.8 points, is also out with a back injury, and Quinten Post is out with a right ankle injury. Cam Spencer, at 18.0 minutes and 8.6 points, is the most likely guard to pick up more minutes. Jaylen Wells (28.1 minutes) and Cedric Coward (29.6) could handle the ball more. Memphis is 5-0 with Pippen and has not played a game without him.
What to watch
The injury report lists Nov. 2 as Pippen's expected return. The team has not announced any further timeline. The next injury report will show whether he moves back to day-to-day or stays out. Jerome's status matters too. With both guards dealing with back injuries, Memphis's guard depth depends on how quickly either of them returns.
Is Scotty Pippen Jr. playing vs Kings on Saturday?
No. Pippen was ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings with a back injury, according to the injury report.
When will Scotty Pippen Jr. be back?
The injury report lists Nov. 2 as his expected return. The team has not announced anything more.