Former Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams won't play against old team on Friday
HOUSTON — Former Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams will have to wait for his first matchup against his former team. Adams, who plays for the Houston Rockets, will be out on Friday against the Grizzlies due to a calf injury.
Adams spent more than two seasons with the Grizzlies, but he was limited to 118 games. He played 76 games while the Grizzlies went 56-26 in 2021-22. A knee injury in January 2023 marked the end of Adams' playing days in Memphis. He was traded in Feb. 2024 to the Rockets.
While in Memphis, Adams formed strong relationships with several players who still play with the Grizzlies. Santi Aldama was one of the players looking forward to a potential chance of playing against his former teammate.
"I can't wait to talk some (expletive)," Aldama said after Wednesday's season-opening win.
Houston also has former Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks. While Brooks faced off last season against Memphis four times, he never got a chance to go against Ja Morant.
"Two great guys," Morant said of Adams and Brooks. "Two guys that made us who we are with the Grizzlies. Obviously miss them. Happy for them in their career."
"Once that ball go in the air, if you don't got on my team color, I can't root for you," Morant added.
Grizzlies injury updates
Memphis got good and bad news on Thursday's injury report. The good news was Jaren Jackson Jr. has been upgraded on the injury report. The bad news is he's still listed as doubtful.
Considering Jackson has been dealing with a hamstring injury, it makes sense for the Grizzlies big man to be listed as doubtful for the first leg of a back to back. Jackson will likely be upgraded on the injury report again before Saturday's home opener against the Orlando Magic.
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Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Former Grizzlies center Steven Adams won't play Friday vs Memphis
