Marc Gasol suffers sprained ankle: Should he play in final game?

The injury does not appear to be too serious, but concerns are piling up for the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Memphis Grizzlies superstar center Marc Gasol suffered a sprained left ankle in Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a report from ESPN.

Gasol left the loss with 2:10 left in the first quarter and was later seen in a protective walking boot. X-rays on the ankle came back negative.

It was initially reported that Gasol was getting his ankle retaped and may have been able to return, and he didn’t rule out playing Monday night, saying “if possible, I will get myself ready to play.”

Memphis can’t possibly replace the production of Gasol, possibly the best big man in the NBA this season. Gasol is averaging 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, all while emerging as a strong Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

The Grizzlies must be relieved that the injury isn’t more serious, but things are going wrong at the worst possible time. Mike Conley is also out with a foot injury that could last into the postseason, while Tony Allen is battling a hamstring issues.

Memphis currently sits at 54-26 and is in a three-way tie for the second best record in the brutal Western Conference. If Gasol is potentially able to play in either of the last two games, the Grizzlies will be in a bit of a tricky situation.

While every team from 2-7 in the Western Conference is very talented, grabbing the two seed and playing the Dallas Mavericks at home would be the most ideal scenario. However, the Grizzlies have to keep the bigger picture in mind entering these playoffs, so just resting the injured players (if they are ready to play at all) could be the best option.

The Grizzlies play the Golden State Warriors on Monday night at Oracle Arena. Only two teams have beaten Golden State at home this season and Memphis just may want to accept a loss with all its current issues.

There’s no margin for error in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. If any combination of Gasol, Allen and Conley is missing or even just not at 100 percent, the Grizzlies aren’t making it very far.

Memphis has the talent to win a championship this season, but has a lot of questions entering the final week of the regular season. Gasol’s injury, even if it’s not major, could be devastating.

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