Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conely was diagnosed with a vertebrae fracture that was slated to sideline him until mid-January two weeks ago.
However, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical he’s well ahead of schedule in his recovery, and could return as soon as Friday, when his team hosts the Sacramento Kings. Conely received medical clearance and has been able to work out recently, Wojnarowski added.
Not unlike the past few years, the Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries this season. Their current IR list includes Conley, Chandler Parsons, James Ennis, and Brandan Wright.
Those ailments allowed Memphis to sign point guard Toney Douglas under the NBA’s hardship rule. The team reportedly waived the veteran Thursday, suggesting it could welcome some of its players back shortly.
Wojnarowski noted Parsons could also return as early as Friday. The forward, who signed a four-year, $94-million deal with Memphis over the summer, has been out for almost a month while nursing a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Ennis is reportedly expected to return against the Kings after missing the last 13 contests with a calf issue.
Even though they haven’t been at full strength, the Grizz have performed at an all-time franchise high level. They’ve won seven of their last eight games and are fifth in the Western Conference.
