In their last 10 games, the Memphis Grizzlies are 7-3. The team has been battling its way back into contention. As of Monday, December 22, the Grizzlies are ninth in the Western Conference.
On Monday evening, Memphis is on the road vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder. Several players are missing time for the Grizzlies due to long-term injury. Brandon Clarke is the latest player added to the list. The 29-year-old suffered a right calf strain on Saturday vs. the Wizards. NBA insider Michael Scotto reported that Clarke will be re-evaluated in three weeks. Who will step up for the Grizzlies in the front court?
Brandon Clarke will miss time for Memphis due to a right calf strain
Memphis Grizzlies say Brandon Clarke will be re-evaluated in three weeks after suffering a Grade 2 right calf strain in Saturday’s game against the Washington Wizards. pic.twitter.com/qAsvj5dYAm
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 22, 2025
The 2025-26 season has been a rough start for Grizzlies PF Brandon Clarke. He is in his seventh professional season. All with Memphis. In September, Brandon Clarke underwent an arthroscopic procedure to address synovitis in his right knee. This was the same knee he suffered a PCL sprain in at the end of the 2024-25 season. Surgery in September delayed Clarke’s start to 2025-26.
He missed the first 26 games of the season for Memphis. Brandon Clarke made his season debut on December 17 and played 17 minutes for the Grizzlies. In his second game back, Clarke suffered a calf strain in the first quarter. He played four total minutes this past Saturday. The team announced Monday afternoon that Brandon Clarke is set to miss at least three weeks due to injury.
The Grizzlies say Brandon Clarke is out for at least three weeks after sustaining a Grade 2 right calf strain Saturday against Washington.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 22, 2025
That is three major injuries in as many seasons for Brandon Clarke. With the 29-year-old set to miss time, who will step up for Memphis in the frontcourt? The reality of the situation is that the Grizzlies have been operating without Brandon Clarke for 26 of their 28 games. Players like Santi Aldama and Jock Landale are taking on larger roles in 2025-26. Aldama’s 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game are new career-highs. Additionally, his 27.2 minutes per game is a personal best for the Grizzlies.
Jock Landale is also having a career-best season with Memphis in 2025-26. His 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 22.2 minutes per game are new career-highs. Recently, the Grizzlies signed Christian Koloko to a 10-day hardship contract. He played two games for the Lakers earlier this season. Memphis will have to wait three weeks until Brandon Clarke is re-evaluated. The veteran is set to miss time due to a calf strain.
