Is Brandon Clarke playing tonight? Latest injury updates for Grizzlies vs Lakers

It has been just over a year since Brandon Clarke last suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies, as he has been sidelined and continuously rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon sustained during a March 3, 2023 outing against the Denver Nuggets.

In somewhat poetic fashion, the first time the big man's health status had been altered throughout this time period came ahead of their recent bout against this same club, with his "Out" label being switched to "Doubtful" during the morning hours of gameday.

Though he ultimately remained sidelined for the contest, his slight upgrade and presence in pregame warmups generated quite a bit of buzz among fans and media pundits regarding his possible return this season.

While there has never been a guarantee that he would play in 2023-24, the hope all year long has been that the Grizzlies big could get a few games under his belt before year's end and, ahead of Wednesday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears the odds of such a happening are as high as ever.

With this, the question on everyone's mind: Is Brandon Clarke playing tonight?

Grizzlies big Brandon Clarke 'questionable' for game against Lakers

In the days leading up to their upcoming game against the Lakers, it had been speculated that the 27-year-old could finally be made available, with Grind City Media's Michael Wallace going as far as to state that "barring any kind of snag or any kind of delay" the big man expects "to be out there playing and trying to give it a go."

Now, with hours to go till tip-off, the NBA's official injury report only further corroborates this sentiment, as they currently have Clarke listed as "Questionable" for Memphis' upcoming game at FedEx Forum.

Despite what this upward trajectory may have fans believing, there is still a chance that the Grizzlies could opt to hold him out yet again due to precautionary reasons. Should this happen, his next opportunity to suit up could come Saturday against the Orlando Magic.

However, right now, when it comes to the question of whether Brandon Clarke will be playing against the rival Lakers, his status is best described as a "maybe."

Lakers injury updates ahead of Grizzlies matchup on March 27

As of this writing, the Lakers have yet to submit an official injury report for their team ahead of this matchup against the Grizzlies, though it must be noted that they are coming off a game on Tuesday night where they faced the Milwaukee Bucks without the likes of superstar LeBron James, who was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Said outing went into double overtime, which, in turn, could actually bode well for Memphis' chances to pull out an upset victory, as Los Angeles likely will be fatigued from the long and grueling showing.

Grizzlies full injury report

The injury report for the Grizzlies is once again rather long. As of this writing, the list reads as follows: Brandon Clarke (Achilles) is questionable; John Konchar (Heel) is doubtful; Ja Morant (Shoulder) is out; Derrick Rose (Groin) is out; Marcus Smart (Finger) is out; Yuta Watanabe (Personal Reasons) is out; Vince Williams Jr. (Patellar Tendon) is doubtful; Ziaire Williams (Back, Hip) is out; Luke Kennard (Personal Reasons) is out.

Projected Grizzlies starting lineup

Scotty Pippen Jr., Desmond Bane, GG Jackson, Santi Aldama, Jaren Jackson Jr..