Richie Saunders was listed out with a right knee injury on the Grizzlies' first injury report of the year, with an expected return date of Dec. 1. The rookie guard will miss the start of training camp and the opening weeks of the 2026-27 season.
What happened
Richie Saunders appeared on the Grizzlies' injury report for the first time Sunday, Sept. 6, listed out with a right knee injury. No previous status was recorded, since this is his first entry on the report. The expected return date is set at Dec. 1, meaning Saunders is projected to miss roughly the first two months of the season. The report noted that Saunders was selected by the Grizzlies with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
What it means for the Grizzlies
Memphis opens its season at the Hawks on Monday, Oct. 5, and Saunders will not be available. He has yet to make his NBA debut, so there is no season line for him to fall back on. In his absence, guard minutes fall to Toby Okani, who has averaged 36.2 minutes and 10.0 points, and Lucas Williamson, who has averaged 32.0 minutes and 10.4 points, with Rayan Rupert and Ja Morant also in the backcourt mix. The Grizzlies have not played a regular-season game yet, so there is no record to compare with and without him.
What to watch
The Grizzlies will update Saunders' status on their next injury report. He is expected to return around Dec. 1, per the report. Until then, Memphis will manage his right knee through the rest of training camp and into the opening weeks of the season, which begin Oct. 5 at the Hawks.
Is Richie Saunders playing at Hawks on Oct. 5?
No. Saunders is out with a right knee injury and is not expected back until around Dec. 1.
When will Richie Saunders be back?
The Grizzlies' injury report lists an expected return date of Dec. 1, 2026.