Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward was downgraded from day-to-day to out for Friday's game at Golden State because of a left wrist sprain. Memphis plays the Warriors without the second-year guard, who played 27.8 minutes in the opener.
What happened
Cedric Coward was ruled out on the injury report at 9:36 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 23. He has a left wrist injury. He had been listed as day-to-day since Thursday, Oct. 22, when the wrist first showed up on the report. The comment on the report said he was doubtful for Friday's game against the Warriors because of a left wrist sprain. The report has since moved him to out. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 25.
What it means for the Grizzlies
Memphis tips off at Golden State at 10 p.m. ET on Friday. The Grizzlies are 1-0, the 6th seed, and won their opener with Coward in the lineup. He played 27.8 minutes in that game and had 7 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Last season he averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 25.8 minutes over 62 games. Memphis has not played a game without him this season. In the backcourt, Ty Jerome has played 31.7 minutes, Jaylen Wells 27.7 and Scotty Pippen Jr. 20.2. Those three are the obvious candidates to cover his minutes. Isaiah Stewart is also on the report as day-to-day with a left ankle injury.
What to watch
The next injury report is the next real update. The report has Coward's expected return as Oct. 25, two days after the Golden State game. Whether he plays then depends on how the wrist responds. No timeline beyond that date has been announced. Watch whether he moves back to day-to-day or questionable before the next game, and how Memphis splits his minutes among Jerome, Wells and Pippen.
Is Cedric Coward playing at Warriors on Friday?
No. He was ruled out for Friday's game at Golden State on the 9:36 p.m. ET injury report with a left wrist sprain.
When will Cedric Coward be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 25. Nothing beyond that has been announced.