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Memphis Grizzlies’ Allen ‘Questionable’ for Tonight’s Game 5

By Christian Dudley

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May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) during the game against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ leading defenseman, Tony Allen, has been listed as “questionable” to play in tonight’s Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals versus the Golden State Warriors.

The Memphis Grizzlies were without their Grindfather, Tony Allen, near the end of the regular season in which he took a seat on the sideline to recover from a hamstring injury. The Grizz were unsure if he would be able to make a return for Game 1 of their first round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers; however, all went well and he recovered just in time.

In Monday’s Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, featuring the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, something was not right. Allen played just 15 minutes and 51 seconds in the home contest. TA had been playing double this amount of time in previous semifinal games.

What was wrong?

Apparently, the Grindfather had aggravated the hamstring injury he sustained late in the regular season. That is why he did not see nearly as much floor time in Game 4 and he is now being listed as “questionable” for tonight’s Game 5 on the road. Ron Tillery of the Commercial Appeal had the initial report:

With that being said, it is hard to imagine Tony sitting for a critical Game 5 in which could really determine the winner of this heated series. We will know by game time, of course, whether he will give it a go or if it is a more serious issue and needs to continue to give it rest.

Could this just be a coaching strategy by Memphis Head Coach Dave Joerger? Possibly. It adds extra difficulty to the preparation plans of the Golden State Warriors. They will not be sure whether Allen’s defensive intensity–which has been causing nightmares for the Warriors’ backcourt stars–will be present in tonight’s matchup. You could say that Allen’s status is causing various uncertainties amongst both clubs as the hours wind down to the tip-off.

Tony Allen has been causing mayhem in the backcourt on defense as he leads the entire NBA Playoffs in steals per game at 2.7. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ Game 3 victory, he recorded four of the swipes.

Stay tuned to Beale Street Bears for our full game preview for tonight’s Game 5 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.

Go Grizz!

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